Wednesday, September 2, 2009

What Are Green Jobs and How Do I Get One? by Janay Scott

The recent buzz around town is about green jobs and finding green jobs. But what exactly is a green job? A green job is a job that provides a product or service that in turn allows consumers to consume less or produce more because of the utilization of the product or service provided. There are also green jobs that strive to be socially responsible and improve the environment. The Green Job Act of 2007 is a pilot program that is set to identify needed skills, develop training programs, and train workers for jobs in many different fields. Green jobs are said to build a strong middle class and provide people with new skills to help minimize damage to our environment. Green jobs are also said to reduce unemployment and poverty. Here is a list of 4 interesting green employers and why you should work for them.

1) Greenpeace: Greenpeace is an organization founded in 1971 that peacefully exposes global environmental problems and thinks of creative ways to promote solutions to sustain our environment. They work in protecting the oceans and forests and fight to limit global warming and the spread of harmful toxins. In 2008 Greenpeace teamed up with Ben & Jerry's to bring climate-friendly freezers to the US, this being one of their many accomplishments over the past 30 plus years. Greenpeace has offices worldwide. There are two offices located in the United States, one in Washington D.C. and the other in San Francisco, CA. Check out their website to learn more about this green company.

2) EcoVentures International: This non-profit organization supports the development of sustainable communities and livelihoods. Through this organization they work with community members to become socially and environmentally committed practitioners and entrepreneurs of sustainable development. They are based in Washington D.C. and have many volunteer and internship opportunities for those that are committed to seeing a more sustainable environment. Visit their website to learn more about these opportunities.

3) Green Roundtable: This independent non-profit's mission is to mainstream green building and sustainable design. They promote and support healthy and environmentally sound building projects through outreach, education, policy advocacy and technical assistance. Since their launch in 1998 they have been working with building owners, engineers, community organizers along with other influential people to meet the needs of the community. You can learn more about this Boston, MA based non-profit at their website.

4) Global Green USA: This non-profit was founded in 1994 and has been committed to addressing the global climate change and they have been primarily focused on creating green buildings and cities. Not only do they focus on addressing the problems of global climate change but they also offer green tips that make living an eco-friendly lifestyle easier. Check out what they have to offer eco-friendly minded people online.

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