What is Green Drinks and why do we do it?

We hosted our 5^th Green Drinks Holmfirth this month so thought it was about time we wrote a blog all about it….What is Green Drinks and why do we do it?

Green Drinks is actually an international phenomenon created as an organic, self-organising network that runs in over 400 cities across the world. The idea of Green Drinks is for people who work in the environmental field to meet up at informal sessions, offering a great way of catching up with colleagues and friends but also for making new contacts. It creates moments of serendipity and is a real force for good, which is why we set one up. Acting local, thinking global, empowering people to take their own little steps to change the world.

We follow a Green Code to organising Green Drinks, take a read of how we capture this code at our events and maybe you’ll be inspired to come along to our next Green Drinks event.

Code 1: Green Drinks are Open to everyone. Originally established for people working on environmental issues, but we believe anyone can come to share knowledge and ideas to learn from each other. For us, Green Drinks are open to everyone who is interested in having a positive impact on the planet.

Code 2:  Green Drinks are freeform. People come along and simply socialise. Sometimes they moan about the ‘state of things’, sometimes they share successes. People introduce friends to each other and conversations go off in all sorts of directions.

Code 3:  Green Drinks are Regular. We decided that people had busy calendars so have chosen to host Green Drinks Holmfirth three times a year: in the Spring, Summer and Autumn. We always meet on the same day (Monday) at the same time (6-8pm) and at the same place (Café Root.)

Code 4: Green Drinks are Simple to Organise. And they are! We don’t hire a venue, we use space in a local café. All visitors to Green Drinks enjoy a drink from the café too, sometimes with a delicious homemade cake, meaning the café doesn’t incur a cost for us using the venue. Café staff usually join in the conversations too! We share the event on social media and encourage all who come to invite someone else next time.

Code 5: Green Drinks are Self-replicating. The idea is for Holmfirth Green Drinks to grow organically. We hope that those who come to Green Drinks enjoy the space, and will each invite others along too, who in turn invite others too.

Code 6: Green Drinks are Local and Decentralised. It is important different groups don’t compete. A few years ago, there was a Green Drinks Huddersfield, when we wanted to join and discovered it didn’t run anymore, we got in touch with the organisers to check they were happy for us to establish Green Drinks Holmfirth instead. They were! And have joined us on numerous occasions to share their wealth of knowledge and experience.

Code 7: Green Drinks are Agenda Free. They’re not political, they’re not a place for conflict or heated debate. Green Drinks can have a theme for discussion, and at Green Drinks Holmfirth we always have a guest speaker halfway through the evening, who share their experiences of working in the environmental sector. The presentations are informal, often going off in random directions following questions and observations from others. We have welcomed Holme Valley Climate Action, Environmental Projects in Kirklees, Holme Valley Campsite, River Holme Connections and Suma Wholefoods thus far. Who will be next?! Send your suggestions!

Code 8: Green Drinks are Non-Profit, and Holmfirth Green Drinks is no different. As organisers we run the event as volunteers, and it is totally free to attend, with participants paying for their own food and drink. There is no membership fee and no financial expectation on anyone.

Code 9: Green Drinks are Run Responsibly. We work to create a safe, non-threatening environment for all. And ensure everyone is welcome. We keep our website updated with details of the next Green Drinks and also on Eventbrite. We don’t share email sign-ups with anyone else.

Code 10:  Green Drinks are Fun! There are lots of benefits to coming along to green drinks which are hard to quantify, but we feel we’ve created a relaxing space for like-minded people to get together with a delicious brew, wine or beer, chat in confidence, make new links, learn something new, and discuss different viewpoints amicably and easily.

And that is why we do it. To create a space for people to share the challenges and successes of living a sustainable lifestyle. To share moments of frustrations, but also moments of clarity to inspire each other to take little steps to change the world. Join us at the next Green Drinks Holmfirth: Monday 7^th July at Café Root, New Mill from 6pm to 8pm, and please, bring a friend!