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Jul 23, 2008 7:00 pm US/Eastern

'Green Gigs' Provide Eco-Friendly Employment

Reporting
Kirstin Cole

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Local unemployment rates are on the rise, but despite the increases in these numbers, both New York City and New York State recorded growth in new jobs last month.

What kind of jobs and in which industries? Well, recent environmental efforts are now creating a wealth of so-called 'green gigs.'

"There's definitely a boom in Eco-friendly jobs, that's for sure," Marie Kerpan, Green Careers, said.

These days, experts say career growth is all about going green. As more and more industries, from weddings to contractors, turn over a green new leaf, there is a need for workers to fill new, environmentally friendly positions.

"Green careers not only includes the traditional environmental jobs, but now we're including all these jobs that have to do with businesses, really, converting products and services to less toxic, less wasteful," Kerpan said.

"We used to say "Paper or plastic?'" Nancy Lowell, "Green" grocer, said. "Now we can say, 'Paper, or did you bring your reusable bag?'"

Lowell says she used her culinary background to apply for a new job at a "green" grocery chain, where recycling is a main goal. Lowell says she's helped the store to reduce its waste by 80 percent.

"I think our goal next year will be 90 percent," Lowell said.

"The good news is that you don't have to have any particular type of background to have a green career," Kerpan said. "It simply means that you have to take a look at what are your skills, and what are you interested in, in terms of the evolving green economy, and simply apply your skills in that direction."

Career counselors say that as more and more corporations go green, they'll need help doing so. From the recycling business to the organic food industry, from eco-tourism to the sales and marketing of energy efficient technology, there are a number of jobs to be had.

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