ReNewport

If you asked me what Green Drinks meant in August, I would have responded with an apple flavored martini or trendy new herbal tea. In September I was invited to the kick-off event for Newport, RI’s Green Drinks Chapter and learned how far off I was. Green Drinks is a worldwide movement to organize people in an informal way to discuss environmental issues. The idea is to welcome people from all backgrounds and get them talking about initiatives they are taking towards green living (and working).

Kara DiCamillo of 6 Square Design and Communications is the enthusiastic organizer of this chapter and a role model for business owners trying to offset their energy usage. The event was a huge success with approximately 40 attendees, including the mayor. Fluke Wine Bar & Kitchen was the generous host, providing delectable appetizers and libations made from freshly squeezed juices.

 I met Marci Recher, who works at EPI (Environmental Packaging International) in Jamestown. We were talking about wedding gifts and she introduced me to a great website www.greensage.com, which provides a variety of sustainable products for the home. I think the following tumblers made from recycled wine bottles are so unique and the design says “Protect Our Earth” in four languages. I know a few people on my holiday shopping list who would appreciate such a gift.

Kerry of Newport Biodiesel kept me informed of the latest developments in the area of alternative fuel. I learned that local restaurants donate their used vegetable oil and Newport Biodiesel is able to convert it into biodegradable, nontoxic fuel that is combined with petroleum diesel to produce a cleaner, more renewable fuel. I did not realize that such fuel could be used in most diesel cars and oil-heated homes with very little, if any, conversion. It will be exciting to see their future progress and the company plans to have accessible pumps in the future.

I learned a few things, made a few contacts and look forward to the next my next Green Drink event. Go to www.greendrinks.org to find one of the regularly scheduled events in over 280 cities worldwide.