think less, do more: get out there!

Hey kiddos! There's some truly awesome eco-happenings going down in the NYC area this month; from filmmaker feedback to pie (pie!), there's something for everyone right here in your own back yard. I highly recommend:

The 2nd Annual GreenMarket Cassoulet Cook-Off will take place this year at Jimmy's No.43 (43 East 7th Street) on Januray 16 from 1-5pm. Part of the Greenmarket Sausage Week, the cook-off will feature Greenmarket ingredients and food sources will be acknowledged with proper credits. All proceeds from the door will be donated to the Greenmarkets of NYC. Want to throw your cassoulet into the ring? Then contact Jimmy Carbone at 212-982-3006, or email at jimmypotsandpans@earthlink.net.

The 3rd Annual Brooklyn Pie Contest has got you covered if you're more of a sweet than a savory person. Organized to aid the BK Farmyards, this yearly pastry showdown will run you just $5 entry, or free with a pie. The Brooklyn Pie Contest takes place on Saturday, January 23, from 6:00pm - 11:00pm at K&M Bar (North 4th and Roebling). View all the rules for entry here.

Evenings with Agriculture 2.0 calls itself a "gathering for the entrepreneurs, investors, food producers, and experts working to catalyze - and capitalize on - the transition to a more sustainable agricultural food system" - sort of a meet and greet for local green business people. Does that sound like you? Then head over to the Black Door Bar (127 West 26th Street) on January 13 at 5:30pm where you'll be able to mix, mingle, and share ideas (and business cards!) with the brains behind numerous respectable organizations, including Stone-Burh flour, NewSeed Advisors, Flying Pigs Farm, and those dudes who run that crazy truck farm. Tickets are $10 in advance, $20 at the door.

Beyond these sparkling events there are always your local farmers markets and volunteer opportunities just outside your door. What are you doing in your community this January?

Image from the First Brooklyn Pie Benefit.