Mix it up

Speaking of networking, the environmental community knows how to do it. The newest addition to local green networking groups is Mixed Greens. Begun by eco-consulting group Green With NV (not affiliated with the RN&R blog of the same name), the group aims to promote sustainable businesses in the region and educate conventional businesses, government and community leaders about them. The first local Mixed Greens event will be Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. at Great Basin Brewing Company in Sparks. Participants can expect organic food and drinks, green vendors and non-profits, live music and a green fashion show.

Other local green networking groups include:

• Reno Green Drinks: The local chapter of this international group has been getting green Reno a little tipsy since January 2009. They, like all of these groups, are about education and connection, and they usually feature speakers from a local nonprofit or business at their free monthly events, which are held in local bars. September’s date is to be announced, but they’re usually held during one of the last Thursdays of each month. Learn more by looking them up on Facebook or at greendrinks.org.

• Northern Nevada Sustainable Business Alliance: This group has had a couple of networking events, but also tends to do a lot of online networking. Begun in part by the owners of Dream 2 Clean green cleaning service, its goal is to connect consumers with sustainable local businesses, so that local money circulates while driving the “new Green Economy.” http://nvsba.com.