Local group celebrates Earth Day every day with numerous events

Global warming, ozone-layer depletion, pollution, excess waste. All negative affects of life on the planet.

The goal is to become green and stay green, and there have been a number of movements to help people be that way. But one that combines aiding the environment, local businesses, and happy hour?

Green Drinks Charleston was organized in 2006 by Jason Cronen and has become one of the most influential environmental organizations in the area.

The group is one of more than 450 Green Drinks chapters in the world and is locally known as Charleston's Green Happy Hour. And it doesn't cost a cent to become involved, as this organization does not require dues.

The organization's marketing materials says that "Green Drinks Charleston is a growing social network initiated by local nonprofits, small businesses and academia to engage and stimulate sustainable business in the South Carolina Lowcountry."

The goal of the group is to connect local green professionals and continue to improve the environment of the Lowcountry. It's a "low-key, dynamic organization," according to Cronen, that strives to provide "solution-driven remedies to common problems." One example is the Sustainable Seabrook Island program that endeavors to provide cost savings to Seabrook Island residents through simple energy-saving alterations to homes.

Working with specialists, this Green Drinks project creates hands-on approaches for the homeowners to help their residences become more energy-efficient.

Events and fundraisers are being held frequently and sponsored by Green Drinks to better the community.

Next month, keep an eye out for the Waterless Car Wash at Fuel in downtown Charleston. This car washing process uses less than 1/8 of a gallon of water to get a car clean. An added plus is that the cleaning elements used are plant-based and bio-degradable.

On June 12, there will be a benefit for the Center of Women at Coco's Cafe in Mount Pleasant. The center's building is based in an old-style Charleston house, and after performing an audit of the building, much room for improvement was found.

This benefit will give participants a chance to pitch in and help the Center of Women make much-needed upgrades to become more energy-efficient.

"People get too concerned about the volume of the things they do and forget about the little things they can do to help the environment," said Cronen.

Through Green Drinks Charleston, he hopes to educate and stimulate the community to become more sustainable.

What can you do?

In the spirit of the organization, here are some things you can do to help the planet:

--Participate in 1 Percent for the Planet (www.onepercentfortheplanet.org), which Jason Cronen does.

--Change lightbulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs.

--Take a shower instead of a bath.

--Start a compost pile.

Getting involved

--Sponsor a meeting

--Share information regarding your business at the Community Table during Green Drinks Charleston meetings

--Host a Green Drinks gathering

--Sponsor-A-Band

--Donate a raffle item

On the Web

To keep up with Green Drinks Charleston, visit the group's blog at greendrinkscharleston.blogspot.com.