What is the Green Movement?
The green movement is simply a move towards jobs which better serve the environment, specifically by upgrading low-skilled, or blue-collar, jobs. “Green movement jobs” are referred to as “green-collar” jobs.
What are Green-Collar Jobs?
As the name implies, green-collar jobs are “green”, or environmentally friendly, jobs, which serve the planet in some way. “Serving the planet” also means that it should be useful for green-collar workers as well. This implies living wages and safe working conditions as well as opportunities for career progression and development.
Where are Green-Collar Jobs Found?
Many green-collar jobs are in the same industries as blue-collar jobs, and, like blue-collar jobs, most do not require a formal education. Instead, some additional skills and an additional level of job training are usually more than sufficient. For job seekers, this simply means that they do not have to revamp their skill sets to be part of the green movement and qualify for green-collar jobs.
Growth Potential
In the United States, significant growth has been predicted for green-collar jobs over the next two years. This can be primarily attributed to government investment via the recently announced stimulus package, which also covers training programs to equip blue-collar workers with green-collar skills.
Job Opportunities
Green-collar jobs exist in a variety of fields and occupations including:
- Building Retrofitting: This refers to modifying or renovating buildings so that they can utilize energy efficiently to save on bills. This includes opportunities such as carpentry and insulation.
- Mass Transit: This involves cleaning up mass transit vehicles so that they minimize their use of fuel and can reduce carbon pollution.
- Renewable Energy: This includes research and development and production in the alternate energy from natural sources, such as wind, water and the sun.
- Public Utilities: This primarily involves recycling and water treatment activities.
