NEW ORLEANS LOOKS TO GREEN JOBS.

The people of New Orleans are certainly resourceful and passionate about making the world better and more fun. Many in this city want to define a new economy based upon renewable energy and green jobs. According to an article in “The Green Labor Journal,” the opportunity isn’t unique to New Orleans but is happening on the whole Gulf Coast. The article mentions Operation Reach, which runs the GulfSouth Youth Biodiesel Project; this project trains young people on creating fuel sources from organic material. Another program, Total Community Action’s program puts people to work “weatherizing” homes—that is, increasing their energy efficiency and significantly reducing energy bills over the long term. With proper training, these are good career opportunities.

Other organizations and individuals are running urban farms, harnessing the power of the sun, building water management systems—to the tune of thousands of people working on creating a cleaner New Orleans. Green For All and their partners organized a conference gathering some of the region's most innovative thinkers to share their experience with creating opportunity in the new economy. Attendees heard about local green initiatives and the resources needed for getting involved. Read the entire article here.

Source: Ellis-Lamkins, Phaedra. “New Orleans’ Green Economy.” GreenLaborJournal.org. Dec. 3, 2010