The world language is becoming infused with terms like sustainability, renewable energy, environmental consciousness and corporate responsibility.
What this often means is that many are finally taking notice of what other wealthy entrepreneurs have discovered over the years – one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.
Green collar jobs are filled with techno-nerds as well as those who might commonly be referred to as blue collar. This combination is contingent on coexisting beliefs.
- The work we do must benefit the environment.
- The work we do must benefit the bottom line.
Face it; before it was environmentally correct to recycle some people were big into recycling because it was a way to make money. Their motives might not fit into the environmental consciousness of many, but the truth is their actions fit the objective.
What is a green collar job?
Think about some of the job types associated with a green collar job.
- Recycling
- Reusing recycled waste
- Developing sustainable industries
- Green influenced landscaping
- Developing alternative fuels
- Developing environmentally friendly methods to manufacture goods
- Game and Parks jobs
- Organic farming
- Alternative energy sources (i.e. wind, solar, etc)
You don’t even have to be a die-hard adherent to a green philosophy to see that at least for the foreseeable future there will be an increasing number of jobs that will have a ‘green collar’ theme.
It doesn’t even matter what your view on global warming might be. The truth is the conscience of the world is shifting toward a more responsible method of growth. You will likely find your children suggesting the paper and plastic be separated. You may look for organic products as a means of providing your family with healthy products that are as good for you as they may be for the environment.
A Disposable Society
For so long there was a prevalent notion that everything was disposable and when you tired of something you simply replaced it. While this may still be the case there are fewer components actually occupying space in your local landfill. Savvy entrepreneurs are finding ways to salvage components and recycle materials giving new life to old products.
There are green collar job expos that have begin to make a prominent showing with multiple green job sites available online.
Stimulating Green
U.S. President Barack Obama has offered $100 billion to engage the culture in the development of green collar jobs. It is expected that this infusion of governmental cash will effectively triple the existing green jobs available. By 2012 there could be more than 3 million jobs specifically dedicated to businesses with an environmental focus.
What is important in this new environmental awareness is there will likely be very little retraining needed for existing workers to plug themselves into a green collar environment. This will mean some lateral shifting from traditional employment opportunities to ‘greener pastures’. However, this opens up opportunities in both green and non-green occupations.
Consumer Driven
For those who may not be sold on the need for green collar workers you have to understand that the majority of business decisions are based on consumer demand. If the consumer wants organic foods and recycled materials then the majority of business owners will find it in their best interest to satisfy consumer requests.
Down to Business
The role of green collar workers all comes down to what many view as a positive business decision. Whatever pressures drive the change it remains a change that seeks to find responsible methods to provide a ‘give’ for every environmental ‘take’.
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