Green Drinks Moment!

We just caught up with Judah Press, owner of Save Some Green at 2005 Chestnut St. and leader of GreenDrinks Center City, and asked him about his favorite Green Drink Moment, consumer challenges in Philly and the Apple Martinis in his life.

1) Tell us a little about yourself and your company. My background is working with companies like Wal-Mart, so I have seen first-hand how much power the retailer, and consumer have in which products get made, and how. My company, Save Some Green, sells products which are all better for the environment in some or multiple ways: Recycled, Recyclable, Biodegradable, Compostable, Reusable, Organic, Sustainable, Low-energy, All-Natural, Non-toxic, Less-wasteful, Local – or a combination. We believe that everybody has an opportunity to affect the environment by deciding to support environmentally-conscious companies (and disassociating from companies who continue to be the root cause of environmental degradation).
2) How did you learn about GreenDrinks Delaware Valley (GD DV)? While living in New York, I had first heard about GreenDrinks, then did some research when I moved back to Philly.
3) What made you decide to start your own GD DV chapter? There were some great options around the area, but not where most people live and work. So Center City seemed like an obvious step.
4) In your view, how does GreenDrinks benefit you, your business and your local community?We are always looking for ways to get involved in the community, and it is nice to talk to our neighbors and fellow businesspeople in a laid-back setting. GreenDrinks allows people to see that there are other people out there who are not only concerned about the environment, but are willing to do something about it.
5) What challenges have you met in managing your CD DV chapter, and how did you overcome them? It is always a challenge to get people’s attention, compete with other events, and get folks out of the house. Having an email list through our store, and connecting with other organizations definitely helps.
6) As a potential "greenest city in the US", Philadelphia definitely has its setbacks. As a green resident/consumer, what are the pros/cons you see in living here? Philadelphia has a lot of concerned citizens, but it also seems to have people who do not seem to care – or are jaded by consumer culture. For instance, one of the easiest things a resident/consumer can do is switch to green energy for less than they are paying now. But people just assume that there is a catch.
7) Tell us your favorite GD DV moment so far. Seeing 25+ participants at our initial Green Drinks in Center City.
8) What improvements would you suggest to the GD DV management or organization in your area? Try to get some publicity for GreenDrinks. Invite non-profits, government, journalists, etc.
9) What would you say to someone considering attending GD DV for the first time? It is an extremely friendly crowd, and we are always excited to meet and engage with another green mind.
10) Favorite green drink? Green Apple Martini: available every third Thursday of the month at Center City GreenDrinks, for $4!

GreenDrinks DelVal Mentioned on Philly.com

Vance Lehmkuhl, vegan extraordinaire and green-writer-about-town for Philly.com, recently posted a column about January's GreenDrinks Delaware Valley event at the Standard Tap in NoLibs:

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/earth-to-philly/Washing-it-down-at-Green-Drinks.html

Featured in the article is a podcast with Gabriel Mandujano, founder of Wash Cycle Laundry, the local company that does pick-up, wash, fold, and door-to-door laundry delivery using bicycle power power.

Look for another posting soon on Philly.com featuring an interview with William Tofffey, Principal of Effluent Synergies LLC and long-time Green Drinks supporter.

GreenDrinks

It's a new year, and it's time to announce the addtion of a sixth GreenDrinks Chapter in the greater Delaware Valley Area!

Greenable is hosting Green Drinks at theGables of Chadds Ford, PA. They welcome you to join them and fellow green, eco-friendly and environmentally conscious people every first Wednesday of the month for a drink and conversation. Bring along a new idea, a new friend and the willingness to engage in conversation.

The Gables at Chadds Ford will be offering appetizer and drink specials, and bring a business card to be entered in a prize raffle.

Green Drinks Chadds Ford
1st Wednesday of the Month 5:00pm-8:00pm
The Gables at Chadds Ford 423 Baltimore PikeChadds Ford, PA 19317 www.thegablesatchaddsford.com 610-388-7700kim@greenable.net

On another topic, run over to the Academy of Natural Sciences to attend "A Conversation on Urban Sustainability for All Communities" this Friday, January 13, 2012. Michael Nutter, Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, Izabella Teixeira, Minister of the Environment of Brazil, and Lisa Jackson, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be in attendance to discuss the Joint Initiative on Urban Sustainability and their priorities for investing in building greener economies and smarter, healthier, more equitable communities in Philadelphia, Rio de Janeiro, and in cities around the world. The Program runs from 9:30–11:00 am. For more information, go to http://www.ansp.org/adult-programs/environmental-programs.php#TS-2012-01-13