"…Green jobs are the jobs of the future – not just because they pay well and can't be outsourced. And not just because they'll help strengthen our economy and lift up our middle class. But because they'll help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and save this planet for our children." – President Barack Obama
With all of the talk about green jobs, green energy, and green manufacturing, more and more people are seeking information about this relatively new field. Concerns over global warming and the declining American manufacturing industry have combined to inspire entrepreneurs to lead America into the green future, one in which fossil fuels are slowly phased out in favor of biofuels, and wasteful manufacturing is streamlined and made more environmentally responsible.
Why Green Manufacturing Is a Good Idea
In addition to the positive environmental impacts, green manufacturing can also help with the economic problems that the U.S. is facing by creating jobs – and even new industries. Such competition will not only ensure affordable prices, but will also help alleviate the stagnant job market.
A recent article on wind power puts it well: "Nearly 400 U.S. manufacturing facilities produced wind turbines and components in 2010, up from as few as 30 in 2004. An estimated 20,000 U.S. workers were employed in the manufacturing of wind turbines in 2010." What this means is that wind power creates manufacturing jobs, and at a steady rate.
Green energy and the accompanying manufacturing jobs are inevitable. Other countries are already beginning to implement green energy. America has the choice of leading the way in this industry, as we have in past manufacturing endeavors, or lagging behind and playing catch-up.
What You Need to Know
The growing body of knowledge on green manufacturing is too vast to cover in this article. However, many colleges now offer courses in green manufacturing that encourage innovation in this field. Course offerings involve areas like water conservation, solutions to pollution problems, green chemistry, energy management, and putting sustainability into practice. Some leading universities also offer onsite training, online training, and public workshops.
The Importance of Green Energy
In addition to creating new jobs, introducing green energy is also beneficial to Americans' overall health. Fossil fuels have a negative impact on your health, as the burning of these fuels creates fine particle emissions. Stephen J. Jay, M.D., Chair of the Department of Public Health at Indiana University School of Medicine, stated: "Because of their small size, fine particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, and may enter the bloodstream. There is broad scientific consensus that fine particle pollution endangers our health. These health effects range in severity from minor problems to chronic, serious and fatal outcomes."
Some of the many green alternatives include solar, wind and water, all of which are fairly self-explanatory. Geothermal energy is also a viable alternative; geothermal uses the natural heat of the earth to create sustainable energy. By drilling into the Earth's geothermal zone, we are able to tap into this unique form of energy.
As you can see, there are several green energy options that can be explored, in our attempt to completely wean ourselves off of harmful (and limited) fossil fuels. If we ever hope to do this, and to thus create a more sustainable future for generations to come, the key is education and implementation. To quote President Obama again, "We know what it takes to compete for the jobs and industries of our time. We need to out-innovate, out-educate and out-build the rest of the world. […] That's how our people will prosper. That's how we'll win the future." We owe it to ourselves, and to our children and grandchildren, so let's get started!
Sources:
- David Roberts. Wind Power: a growing source of green manufacturing jobs the U.S. is trying to botch. Grist. October 4th, 2011.
Blake Fields - Blake Fields makes it his priority to help others. Educating, providing, and helping others means the world to me.
Join the Conversation