It’s a simple concept, really. Show up, make a name tag, and have a good time. Who knew that going green could be such a cinch?

But it’s this easy-does-it approach that’s allowed the Winston-Salem chapter of Green Drinks International to grow so rapidly. Every month, the club brings together a group of green-minded people for a wildly unique happy-hour experience. Members mingle with a few drinks while making contacts and sharing ideas.

“It’s really an unforced networking session,” says Sarah Olson, founder and organizer of Green Drinks Winston-Salem. “You don’t have to have a ‘green job’ to come. As long as you have a passion for the environment, you’re more than welcome.”

Green Drinks got its start 20 years ago inside a London-area pub, and has since spread to more than 400 cities worldwide. The club made its local debut last year after Olson — who co-owns green-based real-estate firm Leap Realty — discovered it online. “Our first meeting, we had six people,” Olson recalls. “But little by little, we started growing by word of mouth.”

The club spent last year bouncing around different venues before settling on Krankies Coffee as its permanent home. Olson says it was Krankies’ relaxed, come-as-you-are attitude that provided the perfect setting. Complimentary food is provided by Camino Bakery, and beer, wine, and coffee are sold at the bar.

Although each member is encouraged to bring a guest, Olson says it’s not required. The only requisite, she notes, is to make a name tag upon entry. Once you’re ready to leave, simply place the name tag in a box and it’ll be ready for you next month.

This simple, unstructured approach has attracted people of all ages and professions. Despite their differences, each member shares one common goal — to make our community a little greener.

“Everyone here just wants to make a connection,” says regular attendee Pam Hopkinson. “There are always new people to meet and new things to hear about. It’s something I’d recommend to anyone.”

Green Drinks is at 5:30 p.m. the last Wednesday of every month at Krankies Coffee (211 E. Third St.). For more information, go to http://www.greendrinks.org and search for Winston-Salem.