Editor's note: Please welcome our newest writer, Cassie Walker. Cassie is an independent marketing and strategy consultant who's very involved in the Los Angeles green scene. She'll be covering that scene, and other things SoCal for us.

If the thought of a cross-town commute from the Valley has stopped you from checking out a Los Angeles area Green Drinks event, April 26th is your lucky day! This Thursday marks the inaugural LA Green Drinks, Valley Edition at The Sapphire in Studio City.

For those of you unfamiliar with Green Drinks International, it’s described as an “organic, self-organized network” of people interested in environmental issues. The organization now sports groups in 26 countries, including 215 locations across the US. This newest Los Angeles location completes the monthly circuit of Green Drinks held each Thursday of the month. The other locations include Culver City (1st Thursday), Hermosa Beach (2nd Thursday), and Silverlake (3rd Thursday).

In my own experience, Green Drinks events are a great way to meet like-minded people in a relaxing, casual atmosphere. The events draw from a cross-section of the green community, including people from all areas of business and non-profits, environmentalists, and even some folks just looking for good conversation and a stiff drink.

The benefits of attending Green Drinks are as varied as the people. On April 5th at the Culver City event, I met the new owner of Whole Life Times magazine and received a free subscription, reunited with a copywriter friend, and made three new business contacts. Plus, I got to do all of this with a cocktail in my hand. What more could you ask for?