the old greens club

Who the heck are they?  The poor cousin to the Old Boys Club perhaps?  Do they even exist?

Well, not exactly.  There’s definitely an old hippies club, an old activist club, and an old co-op club, but mostly these anti-establishment types have shied away from any connotations of insider, elitist, and profit-driven networking.  

But things are changing fast.  As climate change, peak oil, and water shortages enter the collective consciousness, eco-[pretty much anything] is THE thing to be. Suddenly green and sustainable business is not only respectable, but a message to be shouted from the rooftops.

the new ecopreneurs

They’re pretty much like good old-fashioned entrepeneurs (without the suits), but instead of having to look after just one bottom line, they have three.  The triple bottom line philosophy that underlies green business requires companies to account for people, the planet, AND to make a profit in the process.  Sustainable businesses want to make the world a better place, and aren’t ashamed to make a buck while they’re at it.

Doing well and doing good are no longer mutually exclusive.

that age-old lubricant: networking

Green businesses now have the green light to rake in lots of the green stuff .  And to do that, they’ve turned to the most reliable method of making things happen: networking.

Here are some networks to check out if you want to become one of those ‘people who know people who know people.’

the green establishment:

Green Chamber of Commerce (USA)

Sustainable Business Network (New Zealand)

Green Business Network/Green America Until this year, Green America was called Co-op America, and has been in operation since 1982.

CSR Europe CSR = corporate social responsibility.  These are the big boys trying to clean up their act.

The Women’s Network for a Sustainable Future These are the ‘old girls’ doing their bit: ‘Join 200 women leaders from the world’s premier companies.’

regional:

Green Business Network (UK)   Based in West Yorkshire.

BALLE (The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, USA)  Multiple chapters across America, with a strong emphasis on local economies.

the virtual:

SustainableBusiness.com A source of news and resources for green businesses, as well as a clearinghouse for investors & entrepreneuers.

Greenergy2030 Business Alliance A structured online community.  Emphasis on energy, but also dealing with sustainable business more broadly.

GreenBusiness.net An online forum, $12/month subscription.  Not clear how active this is.

the funky:

Green Drinks Affiliated with the Green Party, and ‘Now active in 621 cities worldwide!’  Informal, unstructured, and not just about business.

EcoTuesday: The Sustainable Business Leaders Networking Forum A combination of monthly meetings and online community, this network has branches in 7 U.S. cities and looks likely to expand.  Youthful movers and shakers.

the niche:

Builders without Borders: Networking Natural Builders Worldwide

There must be more industries doing this – can anyone help?

Happy schmoozing.