1-28-2014 Green Drinks at TreeHouse in Austin, TX

As it turned out, I (Cara) went to my first Green Drinks event in Austin while Eric was at his first class at the Tech Ranch.  It was at TreeHouse, which is an amazing home improvement store that focuses on green solutions.  I was so pleased to find store sections like "Solar Power", and "Non-Toxic Paint".  Amen!  (We really need one of these in Indianapolis.)  I enjoyed the presentation and met several really cool people, and I'm sure I will see them again and stay in touch with them.

The group started fleshing out, and people were enjoying free drinks from Dripping Springs Vodka.
(Thanks Dripping Springs - the cocktails were yummy!)

Find green stuff to clean your home, take care of your dog, and much more.
(The solar power section is in the distance.)

Sarah Talkington (engineer at Austin Energy) gave a nice data-filled, yet humorous, presentation about Austin Energy's
new Power Partner Thermostat Program.  If you buy certain Internet-connected thermostats (like from Nest or Ecobee)
then you can enroll it in their energy saving program and get $85.

TreeHouse actually has this huge space in the center of their store that is dedicated to hosting all kinds of
green-focused events, meetings, classes, etc.