Much like the environmental movement itself, Green Drinks Singapore is quickly rising in popularity. It is a casual gathering for people concerned about the Earth to exchange ideas and information, learning about environmental problems and trends in the process.

Established here in 2007, the organisation is part of a global network of 769 participating cities. Every last Thursday of the month, a featured guest speaker addresses a pressing environmental topic through an informal talk. These have ranged from toxins in skincare products to electric vehicles, and sustainable urban planning to recycling. Niche workshops in garbage enzyme-producing and soap-making have even been conducted.

But this is no gathering of environmental-activist hippies. Attendees from a wide variety of backgrounds come for various reasons, which have shifted since the organisation's founding.

“In the beginning there were a lot of individuals, NGO representatives and a few business people,” says Olivia.

“As it has grown, there are now more people attending who have green jobs, or are owners of environmental companies, along with individuals. We also had attendees from government departments such as NParks, URA and PUB, as well as academics – for example, from the Energy Studies Institute at NUS.” After the speaker has finished, there were Q&A opportunities, networking and, of course, beverages hot and cold. The sheer diversity of the crowd, not often seen on these shores, is undoubtedly Green Drinks Singapore's strength.

Notable and perhaps surprising has been the sharp rise among participants of employees and employers involved with the environment industry. “What has often been said about Singapore is that we work in silos,” explains Olivia. “Despite working in close quarters, people often don't network. So Green Drinks is meant to bring together people from all the different corners, so they can mingle and involve others from different groups in new projects.”

And mingle they do. Don't expect a stuffy lecture hall with florescent lights and no windows. Olivia purposely chooses venues that are conducive to striking up a conversation with your neighbour. “The venue has to be a very informal setting,” she says. “It can't be a classroom, because people won't talk to one another and will leave immediately after the guest speaker has finished. I look for places where people can relax and order drinks, so that they hang around to chat afterwards.” Past venues include Food #03 in Little India and Artery at Red Dot Traffic Museum.

The next session is March 31st with the theme of new technologies and their ecological benefits. Drop by and grab a drink—colour optional—to experience yet another shade of green.

Green Drinks Singapore takes place at 7:30pm every last Thursday of the month. Admission is always free. Visit www.greendrinkssingapore.com for venue and other details.

* Main picture courtesy of  Halimah Ilavarasi.