If you like the idea of a Carrotmob swarming a small market to give the owner extra money for upgrading to energy efficient lights, then you’ll also like the idea of Green & Tonic.
A few years ago ten return Peace Corps volunteers developed a community project in San Francisco to bring a mob of people to one bar at a time and help the owner upgrade to energy and water conserving equipment.
The first green bar event was held at Doc’s Clock in February 2008. Green & Tonic arranged sponsorships with Lagunitas Brewery and Lotus Vodka. Using the additional revenue raised at the event, the owner was able to upgrade the bar’s air conditioner, install a low flow urinal and start composting food waste, napkins and other paper products.
To prepare for this work greening bars, Heather Driscoll and other founders of Green & Tonic attended Pacific Gas & Electric’s free three-day class called Energy Auditing Techniques for Small and Medium Commercial Businesses. They learned about energy efficient lighting, Energy Star appliances, proper settings for heating, ventilation and air conditioner units, optimal settings for water heaters, and the latest dual flush and low flow toilets.
Armed with this knowledge and the experience of events at Elixir (already a green certified bar by the City of San Francisco), Casanova, Le Colonial and Doc’s Clock, the team is looking for other bars in San Francisco that want help going green. If you would like to get involved or nominate a bar/club for a Green & Tonic event, contact Heather at greenandtonic@gmail.com.
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