In my never-ending quest to learn how to save the world, I joined an environmental meetup group and met them for dinner tonight. It was such a great experience!

The people I met were true environmentalists that devote their lives making a difference in the environment by getting down and dirty in regular clean up activities as well as educating others on how to be green.

I learned about an Audubon Society project called Eagle Watch that I'm very interested in volunteering for. I've already emailed the coordinator and am bummed that I'll have to wait until Monday at the earliest to get more information. I guess everyone deserves their weekends!

I also met a man that's running for the Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District and got the scoop on the history and inner workings of eco-politics. It was my first true glimpse into the life of a politician working to pass eco-friendly initiatives against the powerful developers with deep pockets. Fascinating!

Needless to say, I enjoyed the discussions (I admittedly did more listening than talking, but I'm learning more!) and the venue was one that I will definitely revisit! We went to Dandelion Communitea Cafe which serves up healthy, organic food with organic libations (that range from loose teas to beer) all in a funky atmosphere that reminds me of my beloved East Village! I had the hearty chili with a curry cashew quinoa pilaf and my tummy was very happy!! I also enjoyed a berry elixir tonic--don't ask me what it was because I just know that it was yummy! If you're in the area, I highly recommend you stop by... they also have live music and lots of community events. You may even see me there with my new environment buddies!