That’s why the monthly Green Business Networking event in Santa Monica is such a great place for the shy among us to break out of our shells and meet like-minded people.

Designed to serve the Los Angeles area’s ever-growing green business community, GBN provides a forum for connecting the owners and decision-makers of socially- and environmentally-conscious businesses. Like another well-known event, Green Drinks, GBN attracts a wide variety of people from a range of industries. At recent events I’ve met people from almost every industry imaginable, including real estate, entertainment, advertising/marketing, energy, printing, hospitality, event planning…the list goes on and on, which always makes me wonder who I might meet next.

Having recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, GBN meets the second Tuesday of every month (this month’s GBN falls on May 8th) from 6-9pm. The event is hosted by several local business people who are active in the green business world in industries ranging from organic food to socially responsible investing. The hosts themselves are fun to talk to, and they also go out of their way to help connect people and make everyone feel comfortable – signs of expert networkers!

Of course, it’s easy to feel comfortable at the Ambrose Hotel, where GBN is held. As Santa Monica's only award-winning, sustainable hotel, it is a fitting locale for the green community. And though there is a $10 entry fee for the event, it gains you access to the wine bar, which features tasty organic wine along with organic snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Maybe networking isn’t so hard after all.

For more information, email greenbusinessnetworking@gmail.com.

If the thought of a cross-town commute from the Valley has stopped you from checking out a Los Angeles area Green Drinks event, April 26th is your lucky day! This Thursday marks the inaugural LA Green Drinks, Valley Edition at The Sapphire in Studio City.

For those of you unfamiliar with Green Drinks International, it’s described as an “organic, self-organized network” of people interested in environmental issues. The organization now sports groups in 26 countries, including 215 locations across the US. This newest Los Angeles location completes the monthly circuit of Green Drinks held each Thursday of the month. The other locations include Culver City (1st Thursday), Hermosa Beach (2nd Thursday), and Silverlake (3rd Thursday).

In my own experience, Green Drinks events are a great way to meet like-minded people in a relaxing, casual atmosphere. The events draw from a cross-section of the green community, including people from all areas of business and non-profits, environmentalists, and even some folks just looking for good conversation and a stiff drink.

The benefits of attending Green Drinks are as varied as the people. On April 5th at the Culver City event, I met the new owner of Whole Life Times magazine and received a free subscription, reunited with a copywriter friend, and made three new business contacts. Plus, I got to do all of this with a cocktail in my hand. What more could you ask for?

Help the environment by going out, making friends, and having a few drinks. More specifically, Green Drinks. Green Drinks International is a loosely organized network of cities across the USA and the world that hold monthly get-togethers of, well, people who care about the environment and beer.

Meeting like-minded people is one of the easiest ways to be green. By simply getting together and starting a conversation, you may find something that you weren't expecting. As their website states, "These events are very simple and unstructured, but many people have found employment, made friends, developed new ideas, done deals and had moments of serendipity."

Find a Green Drinks in your city and meet some local like-minded people. If there isn't a Green Drinks near you, start one! Who knows, you just might have fun.

Rebecca says: I can think of things a lot more boring than knocking back a beer and making some new friends & contacts. My local chapter even buys the first beer!

Green Drinks International