Upland Brewery presents Green Drinks event for sustainability

Green Drinks Bloomington offers residents a chance to discuss the environment while knocking back a few pints.

The program, which started in Bloomington in February, is part of an international movement to organize gatherings where environmentally conscious individuals discuss important issues over cocktails.

“Green Drinks is a monthly event that brings people together who are interested in sustainability,” Marcia Veldman, head of Green Drinks Bloomington, said.

Veldman started the Bloomington branch earlier this year. Bloomington is one of six Indiana cities to have a monthly meeting.

“A friend of mine told me about it, and it was like an instant light bulb moment,” Veldman said. “Just the idea that we could have an event for people to network and discuss sustainability without having to go to a meeting was wonderful.”

The meetings offer attendees the chance to speak about their projects or problems as well as listen to a speaker.

“The doors typically open at 5:30. Then the speaker goes on at 6, and when they are done people get the chance to give a 30-second speech,” she said. “These are typically environmental groups with an event coming up, or an environmental open house, or even people with green products that they want others to be aware of.”

Today’s meeting will feature professor Marc Lame, SPEA clinical professor and, author of “A Worm in the Teacher’s Apple: Protecting America’s School Children from Pests and Pesticides.”

“I’m the necessity of the community, the city and the University cooperating in managing pests and pesticides,” Lame said. “So I’m going to be talking about managing pests, especially the burgeoning problem of bed bugs ... but my talk won’t be too long because people want to drink.”

Lame will talk about how the problem applies to homes, schools and businesses.
The event will take place in the banquet hall at Upland Brewery. Upland President Doug Dayhoff has lent his hall to Green Drinks free of charge.

“We support the initiative and are happy to provide the space and support for the community,” Dayhoff said. “We donate the space, the food and the beer, and the proceeds from the sales go to Green Drinks.”

With as many as 120 people showing up to the events so far and students now arriving back on campus in droves, this may be the most heavily attended session yet, Veldman said.

“Bloomington is such a great town, and we are hoping to continue to get the diverse crowd we have seen so far,” Veldman said. “It’s open to everyone and all ages are welcome to come and share, and it’s been really fun.”


Green Drinks Bloomington
Where: Upland Brewery, 350 W. 11th St.

When: 5:30 p.m. today and on the fourth Wednesday of every month

Cost: Free of charge, although a $5 donation is suggested

What to Expect: Hear from SPEA professor Marc Lame and enjoy food and drinks

Contact: Marcia Veldman, 812-988-4956

More Info: www.greendrinks.org