Wednesday, February 10, 2010

What Color Are You Wearing?


White collar, Blue collar, and Green Collar?


Due to the recent expansion in the environmental field there is a new term floating around- "green collar jobs". In the future it is expected to expand even more. According to a study conducted by the RAND Corporation and the University of Tennessee if Americans shift 25% of their energy use to renewable sources by 2025 then nearly 5 millions green collar jobs would be created. Since this is such a growing area let's look at some possible jobs in the environmental sector.

Researcher: There are many topics that a scientist can study to be considered a green collar job. Global warming, effects of carbon dioxide on the ozone, testing green products, or renewable energy sources. A lot of money and time is being invested into green research by governments, corporations, and non-profits.

Non-Profit: There are endless non-profits across the country dedicated to the environment; recycling group, park preservation alliances, and even those who educate others on green practices. It is a common misconception that people who work at non-profits do not get paid; this is not true. Federally recognized non-profits are funded through grants which goes to running operations and paying employees. Non-profit organizations do not pay taxes.

Inventor: As mentioned before green technology is a rapidly growing field so therefore new technologies will be coming over in the near future that need to be developed. Items will be invented that are sustainable, use renewable energy sources, and do not pollute the environment and maybe you will invent them!

Something interesting to point out is that a former blue collar job can now be considered a green collar job. Factory workers who build electric cars, make recycling bins, or any other environmental technology can be considered a green collar job. Also maintenance works who tend to solar panels or wind turbines can also be considered green.

Overall, the possibilities are endless for green collar jobs. The future holds so many new technologies and businesses in the environmental field; meaning many new jobs will be created. But the most important part of green collar jobs is you, so be open minded and receptive to new jobs opportunities in the environmental field!

External Links

Time Magazine http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1809506,00.html

No comments:

Post a Comment