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How to Scan for Green Career Clues in Local Media

By Carol McClelland

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 23Oct2008 Word count: 962 Viewed: 241 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

While I was staying in San Rafael for Bioneers, I found the regional paper slipped under my door each morning. As I scanned the front page on Saturday my internal "Green Trends" bells went off. I started to read the paper to discover what I could about the region's green attitudes and economy.

Although this way of reading the paper, a blog, or a website is normal operating procedure for me these days, I realize that you may not be as familiar with this way of gathering information about your target industry/profession, the green economy, and the local green economy.

I thought I'd use this newsletter tip to let you look over my shoulder as I read the Marin Independent Journal. I'll point out the articles that caught my eye and give you some ideas on how to take the next step.

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-- Top Story - Hamilton Restoration Project. "Bay pit could propel wetlands: Report: Storing pumping sediment could speed up work by 8 years, save $200 million"

First off I learn that there's a restoration project in progress to reinvigorate the area wetlands. A new report released by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the state Coastal Commission provides information about a way to do this more efficiently and cost effectively. The article goes into detail about the plan, including a timeline of where they are now and what will happen next.

If I wanted to know more, I see where to download the report. I could also visit the websites of the key players mentioned in the article.

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-- Next Front Page Article - "Sewerage agencies answer to EPA orders: Preventative strategy proposed after spills"

Chronic sewer problems with maintenance and spills into the Bay have ramifications for human health and wildlife. The article indicates that the agencies are having to jump through hoops to respond to a series of spills earlier in the year.

A number of agencies are listed in this article. They clearly have many problems that need to be resolved. If you were trying to understand this industry, you could learn a lot about the internal workings of the industry.

Another angle I'd explore if I lived in the area is understanding how the sewage spills impacted the wetlands restoration project from the article above.

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-- The small print on the front page alerts me to the following article inside the paper: State needs new way of thinking about water.

Although it's not a topic that's gotten a lot of press yet, water quality and supplies are likely to be huge issues as global warming continues. The Governor's Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force has approved a plan to help secure California's water supply and restore the delta ecosystem. The inset box describes the plan recommendations and the next steps in the process. In the process the article describes the problems with the current water supply and ecosystem.

Again, if you are interested in this topic, the key players give you a clue where to keep looking for more information.

Even if water isn't exactly your passion, water issues impact everyone - industry, municipalities, and wildlife. Scanning the article for the main points will give you a more well-rounded sense of how water impacts your target interests.

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-- Second Section Front Page - Beluga whale in Alaska declared endangered

This article describes an ongoing investigation into the population numbers for the Beluga whale in Cook's inlet. In reading the article you'd learn about how this is impacting the Federal governments oil drilling leases and how the Alaskan Governor views the investigation and findings.

Although an article like this doesn't give you information about green opportunities in your local area, you can learn more about how endangered animal populations are studied and how they impact other projects. And, in this case, because the Alaskan Governor has entered the national political stage, it can give you more understanding of her views.

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-- Editorial Page - SMART Trains

Four letters to the editor comment on a regional transportation measure in the upcoming election. As is usually the case, the letters outline various views on an issue that has clearly polarized the residents of the region. Scanning the editorial page provides you with a glimpse of how residents are feeling about regional issues and you can read what the editors of the paper are thinking about the same issue. Whether you agree or disagree, it will help you get a deeper sense of what's happening in your region.

This particular series of letters also points to the importance of understanding the election issues for your local area, your region, your state, and the country. How do they impact your target profession/industry?

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-- What You Can Do

If you want a career in the green economy it is imperative that you understand it! The green economy is evolving constantly. The tax credits that were included in the bailout earlier this month were a win. The financial meltdown will impact the green economy. The only question is in what way?! Will the squeeze on capital keep investment from happening or will the break from the status quo allow for new progress? Will the green economy actually help stimulate the national economy? These are factors that impact the green economy at a macro level.

What's impacting the green economy in your local area or region? Reading and watching local media sources will tell you. Don't expect perfect clarity after one day or one week of reading. You need to keep at it to see trends, assess progress, and determine key factors that tell the story.

It doesn't take long to scan a website or the paper each day. You'll gain new perspective and perhaps the clue that awakens your passion about something you can do to make a difference in your community.

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