Connections
By Christy Ilfrey
Recently I was picking up a few organic produce items at Whole Foods Market when I met up with a former co-worker. She asked about our growing business and family. We tend to talk a lot when we meet – this time was no different – and eventually she shared her interest in making a career change. Currently she has a feel-good job in education, but she wants something more. She wants more than to just feel good, she wants to do good…for the environment.
I recommended she contact Women in the Environment, the Dallas-area networking group I mentioned in my last article. They meet usually once-per-month for a socializing breakfast or lunch. Terry Schulz – the chairperson – sends regular e-announcements about employment opportunities, environmental events, and conferences. For you ambitious leaders, there is also a planning, or steering, committee who collaborate to guide the group.
Meetup.com, “the world’s largest community of local Meetups, clubs and groups!”, lists several groups with a planet-friendly flavor. A quick search for keyword “environment” in my zip code returned only one hit: The North Texas Environment Meetup Group. But along the right margin are listed related groups, like The Green Team Meetup. I clicked around on similar topics and found some interesting offerings: The Simple Life, The Dallas Progressive Alternative Energy Meetup, and Dallas Solar Installations. Sign-up for any of the groups is free and easy; some request dues (a modest fee) when you attend a meetup.
On a broader scale (geographically as well as philosophically), there is Zaadz.com. I love this site! Sign up to “Connect. Grow. Inspire. Empower.” is free. It’s similar to other networking sites – such as Facebook or Myspace – but Zaadz focuses on green topics. You can rifle through information that addresses your as well as the planet’s well-being. It’s a feel- and do-good place – check it out.
For a more casual, face-to-face experience, I have heard good things about GreenDrinks.org. Green Drinks International serves up plenty of happy hours all over the world. Their website allows you to search for eco-conscious drinking buddies in various countries and cities.
Co-Op America’s Green Business Network (known as CABN to members) is an established professional organization with a strong online presence. Co-Op America, whose offices are located in Washington, DC, offers individual as well as business memberships. Their searchable green pages directory contains a vast network of goods and services “approved for people and planet.” I have mentioned this organization in previous articles – I vehemently advocate their decades of working toward a sustainable future.
A veritable new kid on the block is Ecospace.cc. I must admit, I know very little about the whos and whats connected with this online community. On the surface, its appearance resembles an interactive blog about various eco-topics. There is a business section, as well as areas devoted to energy, activism, fashion, transport and travel, and just about anything of potential interest to eco-folks and wannabes, alike.
Ecojobs.com boasts “500 jobs in Environmental Career Opportunities.” Their database is easy enough to slosh through – I found a couple postings that piqued my interest!
Demand for earth-conscious products and services has surged in recent years as manufacturers and retailers increase their marketing efforts to mainstream consumers. Mainstream corporations, too, are expanding their wares to include organic items. Like never before, consumers, employers and job-seekers are making green choices. My colleague should have no problem finding the eco-job of her dreams.
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Christy Ilfrey |
| About the author: |
| Christy Tinsley-Ilfrey is an entrepreneur, gardener, eco-goddess; a wife, mother-to-be, daughter, sister; but mostly she sees herself as a writer. Someday, she hopes to become a really good one. Read more about her and by her at http://greenqueendom.blogspot.com or contact her at
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