From Guest Blogger Jess: Renewable Energy Meetups
Are you concerned with resource sustainability? Are you a firm believer in the need for renewable and alternative energy for the improvement and continued existence of life on earth? You wouldn’t be alone; this is an issue important to millions, even if policy in many areas fails to reflect it. Online, you can find groups of people who are looking to get involved in the renewable energy movement on various different levels.
Meetup.com is a great place to find them. You can search out people in your area, get to know them, and even go and see them in person.
1. GreenUps
When and Where: Sydney, Australia
For people who want to reduce their impact on the environment and take part in sustainability in various ways, this is a great group for those in the Sydney area. But there is a twist: this is also a drinking group. They organize the meetup at a bar, you show up, and you drink. While drinking, you discuss ideas for sustainability, trade tips, make connections and just have a good time. They frequently cover topics like urban gardening, community gardening, renewable energy, recycling, sustainable living and a while lot more. This is a popular group with more than 2,000 Australians as members.
2. The NY Alternative Energy Meetup Group
When and Where: New York City, New York
Are you in New York (one of the biggest energy hogs in the US), and what to learn alternatives to lessen the resources you use? This meetup group is all about learning together about PV, solar-thermal, wind, geothermal, biodiesel and all other forms of alternative energy. They are also interested in wider issues of conservation. They haven’t had a meetup since October, but they are usually on a schedule of every few months. So you can assume another one will be coming up. There are more than 750 members, so there are plenty of like minded people to meet.
3. Calgary Renewable Energy Meetup
When and Where: Calgary, Alberta
If you are in the Alberta area and what you meet some great people who get together a lot, this is the group for you. They look at all forms of sustainable energy, as well as reduction of energy use and resources. Through lessening the amount of energy used, they also discuss new ways to more efficiently deploy that energy on a small and large scale. They have monthly formal presentations from people within the industry, from all over Canada.
4. The San Diego Alternative Energy Meetup Group
When and Where: San Diego, California. You can book a hotel nearby via a site like Cheaphotels.org.
San Diego has a huge energy problem. Air conditioners, heated pools, major road congestion…it is a major issue that has plagued many. But you can learn to be more efficient, lowering energy costs and helping to save the planet in the process. This group is for anyone, from homemakers to students. The only thing required is a desire to lessen your energy usage and help the world. They have lectures, presentations, group casual meetings and parties.
When and Where: Portland, Oregon
What in the world is Permaculture? It is a movement that has been springing up allover the world. People are looking to form more sustainable, eco-friendly human habitats that use less energy, recycle used materials, and don’t cost a lot doing it. You will be accidentally stunned by what you can learn here, and what you can do to change your own life. From personal learning such as growing your own organic produce, to discussing social issues like racial and cultural diversity in the education system, they have you covered.
One thing that I like about meetups is that they are usually not huge events, so you don’t need much space in your schedule to squeeze them in. Besides, at Meetup.com you can search for any event by location, and it’s convenient when you have a certain destination in mind.
Do you know of any good meetups for people who want to learn about renewable energy or other environmental issues? Let us know in the comments.
