Green is the New Blue!
In order to be a part of the green movement, one needs to look towards the future to realize what needs to be done and why. In order to put green plans into affect, we need an affective workforce behind us to help initiate our ideas. Through a nationwide movement intended to update and refresh the skills of blue-collar workers, society has created the ‘green-collar’ worker.
The green-collar movement, as it is better known as, is intended to advance technologies in science, building and environmental practices so the modern day workforce can keep up with societies projected lifestyle change. These workers will be skilled in building upgrades rather than just maintenance or standard construction. Workers will also be skilled in energy efficient practices. This movement will not only help to keep up with the sustainable trend, but it will also promote new jobs and aim to increase our countries economy.
According to the Green Jobs Act of 2007, the U.S. authorized $125 million per year to create a pilot Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Worker Training Program. This program will help to provide jobs in recycling, storm water management, acid mine drainage and other water quality jobs.
National organizations that are responsible for promotion of the new movement include the Apollo Alliance, Green for All and The Workforce Alliance.
According to recent reports from the Center on Wisconsin Strategy, “The new energy economy will create some brand new industries and many brand new jobs. But even more of it will involve transforming the induustries and jobs we already have.”