At Operation Fruit Rescue Edmonton (OFRE), we’re proud to celebrate local changemakers who share our passion for environmental stewardship, waste reduction, and cooperative community building. This December, we invite you to join us at Green Drinks Edmonton. An open evening of connection, conversation, and big ideas that explore how Edmonton’s green cooperatives are powering change from the ground up.
February Featured Speakers:
- Victor – Citizens Climate Lobby and SCAN! (Seniors for Climate Action Now!) Edmonton
- Michelle Harris – Environmental Educator and Author of “Explore the Green Side of Edmonton”
- Dr. Debra Davidson – Professor of Environmental Sociology, University of Alberta
This month’s theme centers on climate action, accountability, and the systems that shape our environmental response in Edmonton.
Victor introduces SCAN! Edmonton’s work mobilizing seniors to hold elected officials accountable on climate policy and action.
Michelle Harris shares hidden environmental resources across Edmonton and why breaking down organizational silos strengthens community environmental work.
Dr. Debra Davidson examines how universities influence climate politics, both as knowledge centers and as institutions activists work to hold accountable.
Held on the second Monday of every month, Green Drinks brings together sustainability advocates, entrepreneurs, and community members for an evening that blends inspiration with honest dialogue. It’s the perfect place to meet the people shaping Edmonton’s sustainable future, share ideas that spark collaboration, and discover tangible ways to strengthen our city’s resilience, one conversation at a time.
The Venue: The Buckingham
Green Drinks Edmonton meets at The Buckingham (located on the second floor), a community-friendly venue in the heart of Old Strathcona.
Getting There:
- By bike: Secure bike storage available in the cage at the back of the building, plus standalone bike lock-ups along Whyte Avenue
- By transit: Conveniently located near multiple bus routes on Whyte Avenue
- By car: Street parking on Whyte Avenue, a free lot directly behind the building (~8 spaces), and paid public parking to the east (~10 spaces, managed by Diamond Parking)
We encourage sustainable transportation options whenever possible—carpool with a friend, hop on the bus, or bike over and enjoy the Old Strathcona atmosphere!
Featured Speakers
Victor – Citizens Climate Lobby and SCAN! Edmonton
Victor has been reading and writing about energy and climate change for 20 years, with letters published in the Edmonton Journal and Globe and Mail. He has been active with Citizens Climate Lobby for several years and helped launch SCAN! (Seniors for Climate Action Now!) Edmonton in spring 2024.
SCAN has organized three major events, collaborating with environmental and social justice organizations across the city. Victor will introduce SCAN! Edmonton’s work and their targeted approach to holding MPs accountable on climate action plans and policies.
Michelle Harris – Environmental Educator and Author
Michelle Harris is a local environmental educator and newly published author of “Explore the Green Side of Edmonton.” She brings formal training as a biologist and local naturalist, plus years of supporting community environmental programs.
She has been part of four Emerald Award winning teams and won a NAIT Alumni award. Michelle will talk about her new book and the need to break down silos in the environmental industry, highlighting hidden gems of nature connection and support around Edmonton.
Dr. Debra Davidson – Professor of Environmental Sociology, University of Alberta
Dr. Debra Davidson is Professor of Environmental Sociology in the Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology at the University of Alberta.
Her teaching and research focus on the social dimensions of climate change, including impacts and responses. Her recent work examines the role of emotions, captured in her book “Feeling Climate Change: How emotions govern our responses to the climate emergency.”
Debra will explore the role of universities in climate politics, examining how these institutions both support climate research and teaching while potentially serving as obstructive forces in addressing the climate emergency.
What is Green Drinks?
Green Drinks is a global movement that started in a London pub in 1989 and has since grown to over 488 cities across 49 countries. It’s an informal monthly gathering where environmentally conscious individuals—from seasoned sustainability professionals to curious newcomers—come together to connect, share ideas, and inspire action over drinks.
There’s no membership fee, no formal agenda, and no pressure. Just genuine conversation, fresh perspectives, and the chance to meet others who care about building a more sustainable future right here in Edmonton.
Green Drinks Edmonton, led by Nathan Binnema, continues this tradition by creating a welcoming space for our local community to network, learn from featured speakers, and discover new ways to get involved in environmental initiatives across the city.
Why Attend?
Whether you work in sustainability, run a green business, volunteer with environmental organizations, or simply want to learn more about how you can make a difference, Green Drinks offers something for everyone:
- Connect with like-minded changemakers and expand your network
- Learn from local leaders and innovators tackling environmental challenges
- Discover opportunities to get involved in Edmonton’s thriving green scene
- Collaborate on ideas that can turn into real-world action
From urban agriculture and food security to conservation and circular economy initiatives, the conversations that happen at Green Drinks often spark the collaborations that drive lasting change in our community.
Join the Movement
Space is limited, so secure your spot early. Come for the speakers, stay for the community, and leave inspired to take action. Green Drinks is more than just an event—it’s your gateway to Edmonton’s network of environmental advocates, entrepreneurs, and everyday heroes working to create a more sustainable city.
Whether you’re a regular or this is your first time, you’ll find a warm welcome and plenty of reasons to keep coming back. See you there!