Our Story
Our Mission
We aim to bridge the gap between organizations, students and communities to take action on environmental issues in China.
Our Story
Green Drinks began in Shanghai in 2009 as a monthly networking event based on the idea that real links, connections and projects can start over something as simple as a drink. Monthly GDC events feature speakers on green-related topics and are forums for anyone interested in sustainable development in China to meet, chat and network.
Now, Green Drinks China is much more than just this one monthly event. Over the last 3 years GDC has spread to over 8 cities in China, organized over 75 different events including LEED training workshops and university forum and planted over 200 trees in Inner Mongolia with Shanghai Roots & Shoots through our monthly documentary film screenings.
We see ourselves as the green link between organizations, students and the community. Our events and initiatives connect these three groups to share knowledge, collaborate and take action toward more environmentally responsible development in China. We are creating green links.
Core Values
Accessible –
Most of our events are free and we are open to everyone. We believe every individual has the potential to make change happen. Green Drinks China is an engine that connects people and organizations to create the best opportunities for action.
Action-oriented –
We are dedicated to making a real, measurable impact on China’s environment. We support projects with tangible objectives and outcomes. Our initiatives aim to change behaviours and encourage people and organizations to push sustainability in China.
Forward –thinking –
We are always on the lookout for the next big green idea and are eager to grab any opportunities that arise for new projects or initiatives. We are dedicated to go out of our way and come up with innovative ways to achieve our aims and objectives.
What are Green Links?
A green link is any type of connection that results in a step toward environmentally responsible development. Green links come in many forms. A green link can be as straightforward as someone making the mental connection that taking the metro instead of taking a taxi can contribute to improving air quality in their local area. Another simple example would be professionals who connected at a GDC networking event begin to collaborate on a new green initiative; which is exactly how e8 resources was founded (www.e8resources.com).
What we do
Through events, initiatives and educational programs, we encourage organizations, students and communities to collaborate and take action on environmental issues. We:
- Create and support projects and initiatives.
- Empower people to take action by linking them to causes.
- Design custom events, educational workshops and adventures.
Monthly Events
Monthly Sustainability Forum
On the second Thursday of every month, a dynamic group of individuals from academia, NGOs, government, business and various industries gather for our informal monthly networking event. Events feature both experienced as well as young speakers on green-related topics. They are a forum for anyone interested in the environment or in sustainable development in China, while also an opportunity to meet, chat and network. Attend and you will be welcomed!
Monthly Movie Night
The 4th Tuesday of every month GDC hosts its environmentally themed documentary screening in collaboration with URBN Hotels. Tickets are 35rmb per person, which include popcorn, special deal on drinks and a tree donated in your name to Roots and Shoots’ Million Tree Project. We have already planted over 200 trees in Inner Mongolia, and plan to start a similar event every month.
