Job Sector: Green

What it is: Philadelphia is a hotbed of young professionals and recent grads looking for entry-level positions and there are many different job sectors in this area that you can find to fit your preference. The city has promised to become a great provider of green careers and is a leader in promoting “green collar” jobs.

Why you should get involved: The benefits of going green help you and your environment immensely. Green jobs make life easier for those around you by reducing waste and emissions and helping educate those unaware of the importance of taking care of the earth. Green jobs offer multiple perks, including the satisfaction of helping the planet and getting paid for it. Still, it’s not just about the monetary benefits, but the social ones too.

During a time of economic recovery, green jobs are at the forefront of opportunity as this sector is a new and growing one. According to the Council of Economic Advisers, green jobs pay 10 to 20 percent more than other jobs and are also are more likely to be union jobs.

Examples of green jobs: Deep green jobs create genuine alternatives to resource depletion — trains, bicycles, solar and passive solar energy, tree-free paper, organic fibers, compost toilets, urban agriculture, and so on. Pale green jobs reduce damage to the environment but continue it — like fuel efficient cars, low-flush toilets, and 'clean' coal. Jobs in both areas can be found in eco-finance, manufacturing, media, and housing, to name a few.

Get started: There are many green themed jobs in and around Philly and a great place to get started on your search is GreenJobsPhilly.com where you can sign up and find hundreds of jobs from teacher to meteorologist. The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia has recently convened the Green Economy Task Force to develop a comprehensive “green collar” job development strategy for the Philadelphia region.

Getting involved in the green job sector is beneficial for you, your wallet and the environment. Get some green while going green!