Sometimes making a difference isn’t as hard as it seems. When you think about the movement Green, it seems like a big puzzle. Where are all the jobs everybody keeps talking about? By the way author Carol McClelland’snew book Green Careers For Dummies gives you details, insight and plans to get your green career going.
But now, take a look at the impact two non profits have made on our fellow citizens on this spinning hunk of land, sea, and sky we call earth. Jeff Olshesky and Trevor Knauf of Beyond Solar are two self described ‘single guys” who were working for a solar company in southern California and decided they wanted to see developing countries get in on the promise of clean solar energy. In a fairly short period of time and a low budget; they were able to partner with an NGO ( non government organization ) and lighting manufacturer D. Light in India to bring small solar panels and electric lanterns to small remote villages. Before they got involved these villages were using kerosene for their night time activities.
To hear the effects of the project on the people of this remote area of India, listen to
QuestPoint n The Mix’s interview here.
As Jeff said what’s surprising is how a little light can have such a major impact on those that didn’t have any before.
Now contrast that to the work being performed by Green For All which has partnered with the city of Portland,Oregon. The city of Portland has long been on the forefront of progressive ideas and eco friendly urban planning. The home-weatherization program in Portland, Oregon can serve as a model for the entire country.
Clean Energy Works Portland is an effort that will cut energy bills, create green jobs, reduce pollution and expand business opportunities. In addition, it will ensure that Recovery Act investment dollars reach those hit hardest by the recession. The city scale model builds an important component of a new clean energy economy. Green For All’s Clean Energy Works Portland includes a revolving loan fund with innovative “on-bill financing” and a Community Workforce Agreement that creates jobs in the communities that need them most. Putting together all the pieces of the new green economy can be frustrating, but all one has to do is work on one piece of the puzzle the fits for you. That piece can be in your home, school, job, local community or on the other side of the world.
For More GREEN FOR ALL NEWS CLICK HERE
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A Strange Meeting in VIDEO Here
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2 pm – 4 pm
Carol McCelland, Phd, Author
Kepler’s Bookstore
Menlo Park, California
(Right across the street from the Menlo Park Caltrain station)