Green Drinks to Converge in Narragansett

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Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Andrea E. McHugh, GoLocalProv Lifestyles Editor

Since 1999, like-minded environmental devotees have gathered to share ideas and network at monthly social gatherings initially hosted by the Rhode Island Environmental Network. In 2003, the group’s get together became "officially" involved as part of Green Drinks, a global network that now boasts chapters in more than 700 cities worldwide, including three in the Ocean State: Providence, Newport County and South County. This Wednesday, the chapters will converge at a statewide get-together by the ocean’s edge.

The Providence chapter, under the coordination of Bill Mott, director of The Ocean Project, was Rhode Island’s first chapter, and continues to grow by inviting “anyone interested professionally or personally in things green.” Newport County followed in 2007, meeting at various restaurants and sites and celebrating special events including Earth Day, the International Day of Climate Action and promoting initiatives like the Neighborhood Energy Challenge, and South County launched their chapter in 2008.

What do Green Drinkers drink?

Green Drinkers typically enjoy locally produced food and drinks and at times, speakers are invited to talk about local environmental-related renewable energy projects and sustainable living. “There’s no agenda,” says Mott. “We all share common values about the environment and sustainability. We have people from academia, small business owners, people from non-profits and organizations, unemployed people looking for work and to network, and people looking to meet new friends.” Mott says that his distribution list of Green Drinkers exceeds 900 and he’s adding new names and emails each week, all by word of mouth ([email protected]).

The 4th annual statewide Green Drinks get-together takes place Wednesday, August 25th at the Narragansett Beach North Beach Pavilion from 5-8pm. All are welcome.