Tonight's Special Green Drinks to Network Up a 'Storm'

On the first Thursday of each month, people from around Newport County who are interested in the environmental community come together to network and socialize as what's known worldwide as Green Drinks. The event began in London back in the mid-80s and eventually grew to the United States. The first Green Drinks in the U.S. was held in New York City in the mid-90s and now Green Drinks is held in 745 communities and cities around the world, including three right here in Rhode Island.

It's been more than three years since the Green Drinks Newport chapter has been getting together. After attending a few Green Drinks events in Providence, I was inspired to begin a chapter here in Newport County since I know that Providence can be a far drive for some. The first event in 2007 was held at Fluke Wine, Bar & Kitchen. It has since traveled around to many different venues in the Newport community. Three years later, the event is still going strong and, continually, there are new faces at each event. With an email list of about 250 people, 30 to 50 attendees at each event, and venues that are eagerly willing to host, I'd say that the Green Drinks Newport Chapter is a popular affair. We even received Rhode Island Monthly's "Best Of" award in 2008 for "Best Environmentalists' Night Out."

From stores to restaurants to boat-building facilities, those that attend Green Drinks get to tour and hear about each venue and what they are doing to make a "green" difference in our community. Occasionally, special guests and speakers join in to speak about environmental issues or present new ideas. The events are simple and unstructured and it's a great way to catch up with people you know while also making new contacts. Many that have attended have made friends, developed new ideas, done deals and had moments of serendipity. It seems that everyone invites someone else along, so there's always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an "organic, self-organizing network."

Green Drinks Newport events have been held at various locations including gallery at One Bannister's Wharf, where attendees enjoyed complimentary refreshing beverages and delicious sushi, and proceeds benefited Sailors for the Sea, a local non-profit that educates and empowers the boating community to protect and restore our oceans and coastal waters. Last month, the monthly event was held at Potter & Company in Newport and included an Aquidneck Land Trust speaker.

Tonight, the Newport Storm Brewery will host a special Rhode Island-wide Green Drinks event. This includes Newport, Providence and South County Green Drinks chapters. The cost is $10, which will include a tour by brew-master Derek Luke, a souvenir mug and, of course, Newport Storm beer. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling the Newport Storm Brewery at 401-849-5232 or stopping by their Visitors Center between 12-5 any day but Tuesday. Space is limited - please plan to carpool!

For more details, be sure to check out the Green Drinks website.

Not only will you find more information about the Newport chapter on that site, but you can learn about Green Drinks in other areas of the world as well. You will also find information on how to join the mailing list for Green Drinks Newport, and can follow along through the city as the monthly event moves from place to place. Green Drinks Newport is also on Twitter: @GreenDrinksNPT. Everyone and anyone is invited to attend; join in and you'll be welcome!