Pioneering the Green Economy

We are in the early stages of the green economy, pioneering across the country like eastern settlers looking for opportunity in the frontier of the west. New environmentally friendly business practices are being defined, and with that, a stronger market for "green" products, services and industries. The future of business is taking its first new steps and an eco-friendly economy that practices sustainability will be the new norm.

To put into perspective of where we were and where we are going, look at this new emerging “going green” conscious into a scope that can be better understood. Take for example the Industrial Revolution. Without it, society would not have been able to create the economy that relied heavily on efficiency, abundance and technological advancement. The new green economy can and will be have the same effect on businesses all across the globe.

The construction industry alone could create millions of new jobs across the United States if 100% Reduce, Reuse and Recycle policies were put into practice. Green Collar jobs would range from mechanics that work on the machinery the Contractors use, to the disposal of materials to be recycled. The architectural firm who has to design a building with the least amount of environmental impact, to company that has to create those materials-the possibilities are enormous.

As the rise of green industry takes shape, so will the technology to improve upon it will also continue to grow. New industries will emerge if we give it the attention and American ingenuity to move it at a rapid pace. History shows what the American public can do. We took the movie industry and gave it a place in history. Our creative marketing endeavors have made the golden arches what it is today. The internet, well, what has America contributed to the internet, all that can be said is; we took the World Wide Web and turned it into a universe.   

We have seen what the Industrial Revolution has brought us, it is time for a Green Movement to finally take hold and push our economy to a more sustainable future. New green energy jobs, green job training and green construction are just a minor fraction of the job creation if we all embrace the green movement and push our economy into a new frontier. Now is not the time to circle the wagons, but to explore further the possibility of a new green economy.

Here is the Moo

Combat climate change by having one meat-free day per week then cut back further. A simple diet change is important in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental problems associated with rearing cattle and other animals.

Deforestation in response to a growing population to allow more cattle herds is a factor that not too many media outlets seem to cover. Precious forests that absorb green house gases are being wipeout for a steak, a rack of ribs and a juicy burger. Coupled with an uneasy Dairy or beef cattle’s stomach, a small portion of methane is released when the moo cow passes gas.

Will the world’s meat consumption continue to melt polar caps at their current rate?

Chances are no, but when you factor in large amounts of forests being wipe out and the growing population rate this planet faces-every little bit can help. We need to reevaluate every aspect of our lives to bring about reductions in global warming.

Without action, the planet's rising temperatures could unleash potentially catastrophic change to earth's climate system, leading to hunger, drought, storms and massive species loss-which means bye bye Moo Cow.

Thinking Green

Some believe the planetary crisis that we face could have potentially civilization-altering consequences.  Most Scientists around the globe warn that the world has a decade at most to reverse the growth in greenhouse gas emissions, or risk catastrophic climate change. Some scientists, though not all believe, feel that the future of human civilization is at stake. Few even think that maybe we've already run out of time and we just don't know it yet.

Personal solutions to global warming like changing a light bulb, driving a hybrid, better insulation and even recycling are not enough to put even a dent into the reduction of green house gasses needed to solve this crisis. There is an estimated rate of about 70 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions released a day. Personal commitment helps, but industrialized nations need to act quickly to steer the world towards a cleaner, cleverer and more competitive energy conscious tomorrow. Global policies have to change.

Investment in solar, wind, nuclear as well as maximizing energy efficiency would slow gas emissions as well as increase economic growth. Implanting carbon capture and storage for existing fossil fuels, retrofitting buildings to be more green, expanding mass transit, freight rail, green construction, a smarter electrical grid, advanced biofuels, electric cars and carbon-free renewables like geothermal are just a few markets that could help revive the U.S. and Global economy and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs while saving the environment. We must require innovation, funding and sacrifice at every level of society to achieve green success.

In the next several years, the potential for “green” collar jobs from firms and organizations to create a new job sector with the sole purpose to improve environmental quality through products and services will be the largest movement of its kind. The new industries that small businesses will embark on will consist of zero waste, energy conservation, solar power, green construction and an assortment of other green expansion programs that will increase rapidly. Experts say that the “green” market for everything from organic cleaning products to green landscaping, hybrid cars and eco-tourism will grow at least by 10% annually. It is projected that the consumer will pay up to 15% for new and innovative green products and services.

Remember, the green recovery begins with you. Support businesses that that provide eco-friendly products and services that better the environment. Contact your elected officials and voice your concern for more eco-friendlier practices. Together everyone must do their part and continue to reduce, reuse, and recycle in our daily lives.  This emerging “green” economy will start with everyday citizens who will commit to pioneering in the “green” movement and support policies designed to improve environmental restoration and quality.