Frugally Green

Frugally Green readers are savvy about saving money and saving the planet.  They’re always on the lookout for ways to do both at the same time.  Personally, it’s one of my favorite things in life.  But I think there’s more to frugality than just saving money.  I think it’s also important to focus on making money.  Earning more money (without inflating our lifestyles) allows us to achieve financial security quicker and take our minds off of earning just to survive.  It also opens new doors to helping the environment in ways we may not have even known possible before.

Right now, the U.S. is reeling from economic recession.  Our unemployment rate is at 9.7% and that doesn’t count all the people that have simply quit looking for work.  I bet there are probably even some Frugally Green readers that have lost their jobs recently.

Maybe you’ve lost your job.  Maybe you’re bored with your current work.  Maybe you just feel stuck in a low paying job and want to earn more money.  Well, as bad as things are right now, there still seems to be momentum building in the green industry.  Where you might fit in could depend on a number of factors like your current skills, qualifications, and personal interests.  With a little bit of creativity, you might find that your current environmental interests and professional aptitude overlap in a way that could bring a meaningful change to your career. Here are a few examples of white and blue collar jobs that could transform to a shade of green with a little bit of effort and ingenuity:

Artist - Ever thought about a foray into found or environmental art?  There are some great creators out there working with the things we simply throw away as well as completely natural elements.  These great minds bring a new perspective and vibrancy to environmentalism.

Engineer - No matter what field you specialize in, there are all kinds of opportunities to use your interest in sustainability to focus on designing systems that tax our planet less and shape the way we live our lives.

Architect - Green building seems to be an ever increasing point of enthusiasm and there will likely never be a time when we stop trying to design the structures we reside in to be more efficient and healthy to occupy.

Journalist - As society continues to grow towards this seemingly “green renaissance,” it will be the work of our reporters and journalists to convey to the world all the developments taking place.  If you’re a journalist with a passion for sustainability, you might find yourself in a rather interesting niche.

Product/Packaging Designer - Consumers are starting to walk the talk with their buying choices and just about every major company out there is looking for a way to improve their products to meet these demands.  Maybe you could be the one to help them along the way?

Consultant - There are so many people and businesses out there that want to do more for the environment but either don’t feel they know how or don’t have the time.  If you’ve got some experience in coaching or advising and a knack for sustainability, there’s a career to be made helping them.

General Contractor - Architects and engineers aren’t the only ones trying to reduce the impact of our buildings on the planet.  The folks putting the pieces together have to be just as green-competent to be successful.  Many contractors and construction management companies are actively looking for environmentally conscious employees to help them build a better future. (Note: This is what I do during the daylight hours.)

Librarian - I think this would be an awesome job!  Maybe you could use your knowledge of how people interact with media and libraries to help create more accessible and user friendly online libraries?  I can envision an interesting consulting opportunity here.

Real Estate Agent - Some day when I buy a home, I’ll be looking for one that not only has the sustainable features I’m looking for, but also has the potential to easily incorporate even more.  I wouldn’t mind having an agent that was an expert at recognizing these kinds of opportunities or one that could direct me away from a potential bad fit.

Teacher – Do I even need to say much here? Schools, public and private and at every level, seem to be looking for faculty that can help train our future generations about the importance of environmental stewardship.

Taxi Driver - With all the gas consumed by the average taxi idling and sitting in stop and go traffic all day, you might see a return on investment and, subsequently a competitive advantage by switching to a hybrid model or even an all electric vehicle as they become more prevalent.

Auto Mechanic - With a little bit of specialty training, an auto mechanic could really differentiate herself as a competent technician for the hybrid and all electric market that is growing and growing.

Carpenter - Framing a house?  Why not use your passion for sustainability to sell your client on FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) certified lumber?  Maybe you’re building a piece of furniture?  There are lots of really interesting ways to incorporate reclaimed wood and repurpose other recycled materials into the design.

Electrician - An electrician might have some unique opportunities to educate his client on ways their project could use less energy and be more efficient.

Farmer - The demand for organic food keeps growing and growing.  Unfortunately, a lot of it still has to travel long distances to make it onto the shelves of your local stores.  As a farmer, you might have an opportunity to provide your community with a supply of better, locally sourced organic food.  You might consider getting started at your community’s farmer’s markets.

Technician - As demand grows and we continue to expand our renewable energy infrastructure, the need for skilled and qualified technicians and mechanics to install and service large scale wind turbine and solar power farms will grow as well.

Landscaper - A landscaper has a unique opportunity to educate his clients, whether they’re home owners or businesses, about all the work and resources required to maintain a lawn and exotic plants.  By specializing in passive landscaping with local vegetation, she could create works that compliment the local landscape  and save her clients a lot of money and effort on maintenance.

These are just some of the possibilities that I could come up with off the top of my head.  There are so many more out there.  The best way to have a really successful career is to differentiate yourself from your competition. This is something you can do as a business owner or as an employee.  It doesn’t matter.  All it takes is a little forethought and willingness to learn and continue to learn in order to stay on the leading edge of your field.

Have you had success incorporating sustainability into your career? Do you see any opportunities in other careers that I didn’t mention?  I’d love to hear about them.

Related posts:

1. Get the Most out of Your Green (or any other) Degree
2. It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living
3. My Journey to Become a Green Investor – Part 1: The Analyzation Stage
4. What’s the Best Way to Save the World? Oh, and Save Some Money, too?