So you want a green career? Well, you’re not alone. While the economy has been cooling down, the interest in green jobs has been heating up. Many job-seekers these days are looking to use their talents in ways that can make a positive impact not only on their bank accounts but also on the environment. Here are a few tips that job hunters can use to help make a green career a reality:
1. Create and maintain a “green network”. Effective networking is one of the key tools of any successful job hunter. In the world of green, it is particularly important. But a good network has many layers and there are several ways in which a strong network can be developed and maintained. A good first step is to find out about green business networking events and attend as many as possible. Another good strategy is to let your present business contacts know what you are looking for and ask for as many referrals and leads as possible. Try to find out the names of the key movers and shakers in the leading green organizations. But don’t stop there; a lower level professional can be every bit as valuable a contact as a higher-up in the organization and sometimes even more useful. In fact, if you can get to know a person who is doing the same job you think you would like to be doing, you will have the best resource you can possibly get. (more…)

Ecoist, primarily known for handbags made of recycled soda can tabs, candy wrappers and other recycled materials, is transitioning into home furnishings. The company is now selling the ‘snowjob’ chair (above) designed by, Emiliano Godoy.

The skeleton of the chair is made from FSC-certified wood and features a vegetable based, biodegradable finish. The shiny, disco-ball cover of the chair slips on top of the wooden structure. The cover is made of small pieces of post-industrial waste from the candy wrapping industry. The recycled labels are cut into small sections, which are then folded into rectangular pieces and joined to form the cover’s surface. An internal reinforcement made from post-consumer recycled paper is used to give rigidity and resistance to the labels.

The chair’s structure is manufactured with simple woodworking hand tools, and the cover is created using only a box cutter – eliminating any impact from complex or expensive tooling.

Nice idea. Now about that price…($1800)

How to be naturally sexy…

Since its inception, I’ve been a long-time fan of French designer and manufacturer, g=9.8 (gravitational acceleration). This sexy eco lingerie line just debuted versatile new additions at another of our faves from across the pond, ethical e-tailer, By Nature.

g=9.8 creates luxurious-feeling fabric by recycling white pine tree prunings (sustainable and renewable raw materials), and adding a dose of Spandex for uber comfort. Feels soft as silk. You’ll stay cool as a cucumber. Fibers stay in tune with your body temp, regulates so you’ll never be too hot or too cold. Colors are made with non-toxic, low impact dyes by Oekoetex. The kicker – threads are also biodegradable & anti-bacterial – everything you could ever want in a fabric so close to your hide.

The pieces: Sweetnightie Shorts, Leggings, Sea Tunic, Forest Nightdress, Marylin Boxers, Skirt & Top, Ibis Bra & Cross Over Robe…versatile, simple, feminine. find @ bynature.co.uk

Related: previously on altCon more on g=9.8

If you’re involved in a non-profit that could use some very nice wheels you may want to enter Toyota’s new “100 Cars for Good” program, which will award 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days to 100 deserving nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public.

Beginning March 7, 2011, registered 501c(3) non-profit organizations can apply online through Toyota’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/toyota for a chance to win a Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Highlander Hybrid, Sienna, or Sienna Mobility. (more…)