Taking Care of Business
One of the more frequent calls and e-mails we get are from people seeking jobs with companies that share their passion for environmental and social responsibility. Some of these are freshly minted B.A.s and M.B.A.s; others are mid-career changers looking to align their interests and passions with their careers. At whatever stage, and with whatever credentials, they all share a strong drive to "get into" the world of green and sustainable business.
The problem, it seems, is that there aren't enough jobs. At least that's the
finding of a recent study by the nonprofit group Net Impact, which found that the demand for such jobs exceeds the supply. For many reasons, it seems a shame to that these committed individuals aren't able to find what they're looking for.
When I speak to them directly, I encourage many of these individuals not to look for explicitly green jobs — there simply aren't that many. (Though we have a good number in
GreenBiz JobLink.) Rather, I tell them, combine your environmental knowledge and interest with a more traditional business function: product development, marketing, operations, finance, law, human resources, or whatever. Those are where the opportunities are to make change.
It's the most hopeful I can be. What's your advice for these souls?
-- Joel Makower, Executive Editor
P.S.: On Wednesday, January 30, we'll be launching our first annual (free) "State of Green Business Report." As a GreenBuzz subscriber, you'll get the word before anyone else.
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Headlines
The Latest News on Business and the Environment
Wal-Mart Announces Next Steps in its Green Evolution
Wal-Mart wants to make its most energy intensive products 25 percent more efficient in the next three years, as well as set higher environmental standards for its suppliers.
No More Plastic Shopping Bags for Whole Foods
Whole Foods Market plans to completely phase out plastic grocery bags across the company by Earth Day.
Adjustments to Agriculture May Help Mitigate Global Warming: Report
By Alana Herro, Worldwatch
A recent report from Greenpeace details the direct and indirect effects of agriculture on climate change and suggests how the sector can move from being a major greenhouse gas emitter to being a carbon sink.
Electric Trucks Deliver Coca-Cola in Uruguay
A Coca-Cola distributor is integrating electric trucks into a new delivery network.
Lockheed Expands Into Energy Conservation Market
Lockheed Martin is expanding its business operations beyond military applications to capture a chunk of the private energy-management market. In the past year, Lockheed more than doubled sales of energy conservation services to private companies.
Woolworths Works to Reduce Refrigerant Emissions
In its bid to hold its carbon emissions at 2006 levels, Woolworths of Australia will incorporate new practices related to refrigerant at all of its new supermarkets.
Gregory FCA Launches Green Marketing Division
Called G3, the division will work to promote companies specializing in green technology, renewable energy, and environmentally-focused products and services.
E.U. Sets Ambitious Goals to Address Climate Change
Under the newly released proposals, European countries will aim for a 20 percent reduction in their emissions by 2020, using carbon credit trading, automotive emissions limits, renewable energy and energy-efficient heating and cooling as key strategies.
Renault, Nissan Explore Electric Car Infrastructure in Israel
Nissan and Renault plan to partner with an American-Israeli entrepreneur and the Israeli government to bring electric cars to the masses in a business model reminiscent of the cell phone.
Alcoa, Baxter, G.E. Ranked Among Most Sustainable U.S. Corporations
One hundred global corporations were named to the fourth annual list by Global Knights and Innovest Strategic Value Advisors.
Website Gives Businesses Basics, Resources on Climate Change
The Global Environmental Management Initiative has set up a new website sharing the basics of how climate change relates to businesses.
FTSE Launches Global Eco Index
The FTSE ET50 Index is made up of 50 of the largest green tech companies around the world, the latest in a growing wave of environmentally-focused investment products.
World Leaders Call for Global Climate Change Effort, Strengthened Public Governance
Business and foreign leaders called for strengthened public governance frameworks that will boost corporate global citizenship and fuel the fight against climate change.
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Featured Resource
A Wealth of Hands-On Help
CSR Jobs Report
Net Impact and Ellen Weinreb CSR Recruiting analyzed 1,255 CSR job openings posted between January 2004 and June 2007. The goal of this analysis is to inform MBAs and companies about the CSR jobs market.
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Columns and Features
Insight and Inspiration from the Experts
Heineken Makes Sustainability a Natural Fit
>From the World Business Council on Sustainable Development
In this case study of the global brewer and beverage-maker, Heineken shows how it has been able to set ambitious targets and achieve significant results on improving its environmental performance while boosting its triple bottom line.
The Dangerous Rise of Carbon Fundamentalism
By Brad Allenby
A recent string of harsh public statements and policy proposals addressing climate change -- including, but not limited to, the comparison of climate change deniers to Hitler -- does show just how widely accepted global warming has become. Although vehement public acceptance moves us closer to action, it may also serve to stifle productive dialogue on possible solutions or strategies on the crisis.
Wanna write for GreenBiz? GreenBiz is looking for guest and regular columnists and feature writers. We're seeking contributions from business leaders as well as the journalists who write about them. If you're interested, send a brief query to managing editor Matthew Wheeland, at editor@greenbiz.com | Read our editorial guidelines
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