Top off those green beers with green conversation this St. Patrick’s Day by celebrating with the UVic chapter of the Green Drinks networking movement.

Green Drinks, now a global movement, began in Victoria to provide a relaxed space for bringing together community members who are concerned about sustainability and the environment.

“If you’ve ever been to a conference, or anything, you know the best ideas are exchanged over a drink or over lunch or the hallway in a more casual atmosphere,” said Rita Fromholt, sustainability coordinator with the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability. Green Drinks was created by the late Roger Colwill in Victoria in 2006 to provide a space for casual conversation and networking opportunities. Since that time, approximately 245 cities around the world have started up their own Green Drinks groups, and Victoria has grown to be one of the largest continuing chapters.

UVic joined the Green Drinks movement in 2008 with the help of UVic’s Office of Community Based Research and the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability. Since that time, the group has hosted a number of events to promote on-campus networking.

There are wonderful things happening in all corners of UVic, she said. Maintenance crews, gardeners, the people who run the cafes, the people who purchase the food, student groups, faculty and departments are all working towards a more sustainable university.

“We’re a world-class centre of climate change research,” Fromholt said. “A lot of people don’t really know what’s going on there, so it’s just a way for us to network amongst ourselves.”

The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations take place at the Fireside Lounge in the University Club, March 17 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Entrance is free for those wearing green, but non-festive individuals will be charged a $5 “green tax” at the door. Green Drinks UVic will provide refreshments and live entertainment, but there is a cost for treats from the bar. Attendees must be of legal age.