Green-ish Jobs

green 300x199 Green ish JobsMany people are seeking employment in the green sector in areas such as alternative energy sources, writing for green media outlets and promoting recycling.  The competition can be quite fierce, however.  It’s important to remember that there are a range of jobs that are eco-friendly in varying degrees.  You don’t have to work at a recycling plant or as a solar energy technician to have a green job.  A receptionist can even make a big difference in an office simply by implementing a recycling program, cutting use of paper, not using bottled water in the office and buying recycled ink cartridges for the copier machine.  It all depends on how you look at it really.  Any repair job can be considered green-ish because it means that something is being repaired instead of simply replaced.  Take Medical Equipment Repairer Jobs for example.  These jobs involve repairing a huge range of medical devices instead of having them tossed in the trash.  That means less in the landfill, less waste of resources, less production, and generally, less waste.  It’s important to remember that there are many shades of green, not just one.  It’s a sliding scale not a black or white option.

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Swept Under the Rug of the Ocean

ocean 300x199 Swept Under the Rug of the OceanJust because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there.

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Eco-Friendly Glasses

glasses 300x175 Eco Friendly GlassesEven eye glasses can become an environmentally friendly choice.  These glasses by GoGreen are made of recycled materials which helps to take stuff out of the landfill instead of putting stuff right back into it.  At only $10 a pair for reading glasses, they make green affordable too which is not something that can be said for all green choices.  What really needs to happen is for all designers to start using recycled materials in their products so that the range of options appeals to everyone.  If there were Tom Ford Sunglasses, Gucci eye glasses and Dolce & Gabbana glasses offered out of recycled materials, the marketplace would see a huge shift towards green.  Even those who were super brand conscious would be making the eco-friendly choice by default.  Show the marketplace that you value green choices by choosing the most environmentally friendly option whenever you shop.  If producers see the market trending towards green products, they will follow the money and start making more of it!  Shop green:)

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Organic Bums

zoe Organic BumsLife with a baby means you’re always looking for organic products.  I worry what chemicals and preservatives can do to my little one’s system.  She is just so teeny weeny that I am even more concerned with what is in her stuff than my other kids.  I also worry about what these chemicals can do to the body after they build up in the system for years and years!  Enter Zoe Organics.  They understand the need for organic baby care products and organic products for pregnant women.  They select premium raw organic ingredients and handcraft them into a number of products.  These products are toxin free and actually work to nourish tiny growing bodies whether in or out of their mamas!  Check out Life with My Littles for a great review and giveaway opportunity of the Zoe organic extreme cream.  It contains no water, fillers or chemicals of any kind.  This means that very little needs to be used to make a big difference!  Definitely something that would be great to keep on hand for little ones with organic bums or have dry skin problems or even eczema.

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Green Care

green home 300x300 Green CareMany of us who are living a planet friendly lifestyle will soon be thinking of long term care for our parents.  That is why many Assisted living facilities are now offering green or at least green-er care homes.

The first step when providing eco-friendly assisted living facilities is green construction.  There are many building supplies made of recycled materials that help to remove items from the landfill instead of simply creating more garbage.  For example, recycled plastic is extremely popular for decking material, siding and outdoor furniture.  There are many other such building products available on the market for new construction or renovation that can help make a building an eco-build.

There are also other ways to make the care facility one that fits in with your eco-friendly lifestyle including — composting, alternative power sources, low VOC paints, recycled paints, organic gardening activities, recycling, electronic data management techniques, alternative homeopathic therapies, rain water storage and many, many more.  Ask a care facility how they are upgrading to green.  Dual flush toilets?  Energy star appliances?  Low flow shower heads??

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The Body Shop — Chocomania Line

Chocomania 300x223 The Body Shop    Chocomania LineJust in time for Valentine’s Day, The Body Shop has added a new line of chocolate scented products that are absolutely perfect for gift giving. Why do I love the Body Shop so?  I love their products because they work and smell fantastic but that’s not really why.  It’s the way the company is run — with people and the planet first.  They’ve run campaigns to end domestic violence, human trafficking and HIV.  They’ve created products that are responsibly sourced, eco-friendly, support community trade, not tested on animals, promote well being and social change.  All of these things combined make them one of my most favorite places to buy bath and beauty products from.  Check out one of my favorite blogs reviewing my favorite store — My Wee View.  She reviews the new chocomania line with refreshing honesty and has a fantastic giveaway opportunity as well for $150 package from the Body Shop’s new line:)

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Eco-Friendly Receipt Printers

printer Eco Friendly Receipt PrintersI’ll be the first to admit that I abhor paper receipt printers and would much rather have everything done electronically.  However, businesses usually need to provide a paper copy for both your records and their own.  That being the case, why not look into purchasing a more environmentally friendly version of receipt printer the next time it’s needed.   Printer company Star Micronics provides printers that offer up to 75% less use of power, 70% less use of paper, recyclable packaging and even uses recycled plastics in the case!  There’s always a way to make purchases green-er when you consider the environment before simply buying whatever is in front of you.

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That Time of Year Again…

accountant 300x281 That Time of Year Again...It’s getting to be that time of year again — tax time.  Not only do taxes chew up a lot of money, they also take up a ton of time (and paper).  This year I’ve really been wondering if it wouldn’t be worth my sanity to use an accountant to tackle family finances like raleigh accountant carson thorn.  I get super stressed out trying to find receipts because I always recycle all of the paper or get electronic receipts.  I absolutely refuse to file a paper form because really — waste trees for that!?  Plus, all of the forms and regulations change constantly…I just can’t keep up with it.  I’ve got to look for an accountant that will make it simple and has eco-friendly business practices…anyone have ideas??

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Battery Free Fun

Felt Play Battery Free FunIt seems like every toy for sale has batteries in it.  Drives me absolutely bonkers!!  Why do toys have to make so much noise and have so many flashing lights?  I’d say “when I was a kid” but I’m afraid of how much that would age me!  Check out Betty Lukens for some good old fun toys without batteries.  The felt sets (while not made of eco-felt) are really pretty cool.  I imagine this could keep my little ones occupied for ages while they used their imaginations instead of just relying on the toy to completely entertain them.  Want a chance to win one of these awesome playsets?  Check out the blog Mommy Kat and Kids for a full review and giveaway.

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Funny Tees

Monster planet Funny TeesThere are a huge range of sites selling funny tshirts.  My favorite, go figure, are the ones that raise global consciousness as well as make people smile.  Make sure that any t-shirt you buy (funny or not) is organic and produced locally.  Check out Bob Eco for some great designs or Barley and Birch if you’re looking for kids sized eco-shirts.  T-shirt companies are literally popping up in the hundreds online so support something that you believe in with your purchase.  It just may make someone think along with that smile:)

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