1. What is Greendrinks?

Greendrinks is an international phenomenon, spanning over 500 cities worldwide. Once a month, folks who value the environment gather in a relaxed setting to meet each other, make new connections, hang out with friends and have a good time. In the case of Portland Greendrinks, we meet on the second Tuesday of every month. Come to ask questions, to network, or just to meet up with friends -- it's entirely up to you!

2. Who goes to Greendrinks?

Anyone who is the slightest bit interested in the environment and keen to have a good time shows up at Greendrinks events. Greendrinkers range in age from college students to retirees, but mostly in between; and everyone is really interesting. They come from a wide variety of backgrounds that include business, academics, government and non-profits, and include would-be recyclers all the way up to folks who aim to live a carbon-neutral lifestyle. Greendrinks is a place for one and all to meet, share stories, have a drink and show their support for like-minded folks in a relaxed atmosphere.

3. Do I have to be a member?

There's no membership required to come to a Greendrinks event, it's open to everyone. Nevertheless, Greendrinks does keep an email list in order to send out news and updates about upcoming Greendrinks events. If you aren't already on the list, you can do so on our homepage, www.PortlandGreendrinks.com. We promise we won't abuse the list.

You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/portlandmainegreendrinks. Like us!

4. Does Greendrinks cost money?

The short is yes, but not much.  The results of an online survey sent out to attendees led us to make a few changes to our format, but for good cause.

As of March 2010, this is how it works: Greendrinkers will be asked to pay a $2 entry fee (if you bring your own vessel; BYOV) or a $5 entry fee (if you don't). Funds will be collected at the door by representatives of that month's Featured Non-Profit, who will (a) have petty cash change for you, (b) use the entry fees as unrestricted donations to their educational mission, and (c) donate a percentage of the funds collected to Greendrinks to help us offset the costs of putting on events.

5. Who pays for the free beverages and snacks?

Greendrinks beverages are partly purchased from a distributor by Greendrinks with money collected from entrance fees and partly donated by our incredibly generous beverage sponsors.

6. Do I have to be 21 to attend?

Yes, as Greendrinks has grown so has the liability involved with hosting an event.  As it stands today, we are only allowed to let people who are over the age of 21 attend Greendrinks events, so bring your ID along with your vessel!

7. I’d love to host a Greendrinks. Who should I call?

If you think you'd like to host a Greendrinks event, send an email to info@portlandgreendrinks.com and we'll send you our hosting guidelines and responsibilities.

8. Will there be any events outside of Portland?

Most of our events are hosted in the Greater Portland Area, but occasional Greendrinks events are hosted outside of Portland. While we want to offer hosting opportunities to as many organizations as possible, we also want to make it as easy as possible for Greendrinkers to get to the events. If you have a venue in mind get in touch and we'll see if we can make it work.

9. What are Greenlunches?

Greenlunches provide an opportunity for Greendrinkers who are looking for more than a social event on Tuesday night to meet with other Greendrinkers for lunch on Friday. Sign up on the Wednesday following a Greendrinks event and a program powered by NoonHat (http://www.noonhat.com/lunch) will put you in touch with four other Greendrinkers in your area. It's up to you to schedule the "where" and the "when" of your lunch date with the others in your group. And don't be afraid to bring a friend!