“Green” can be considered a new spin on common sense, when you think about it. It’s a set of guidelines that people, businesses and government use to eliminate wasteful habits and practice being practical. It’s another word for progress, and progress needs people to pitch in to make it work. So why not earn a paycheck pitching in for progress?

Many businesses in the emerging Green Collar sector are beginning to receive their grants and stimulus packages to begin making impact locally, regionally and nationally. But if you’re not a business owner and are just a Regular Joe looking to help, where do you find these jobs?

•Networking through social media is no joke
There are lots of strategies for successful networking, especially in the digital age. Find a digital network like LinkedIn.com, set up your page, and then (this is important) participate in the network’s social gatherings in your area. It’ll take shoe leather and a lot of handshakes, but eventually you may make a breakthrough.

There are also professional organizations that welcome new members such as EcoTuesday and GreenDrinks that get businesses and people who want to help together for low-pressure social events. Use this opportunity to listen just as much as you use it to talk to people what kind of work you’re interested in.

•E-mail job listings
There are a number of specialized e-mail lists that distribute green job postings. The good news is, most of them are free to join including EnviroJobs on Yahoo Groups, Green Job List, and Young Non-profit Professionals Network (YNPN.org).

•Green recruiters
Because Green is now operating in the black, there are an increasing number of recruiters that focus on careers based on sustainability. A number of these organizations will post positions for which they are currently seeking candidates. Two places to start would be Commongood Careers and Bright Green Talent.

•Go to school, even if you aren’t enrolled
Academic institutions, community colleges, technical colleges and career colleges are all now on the lookout for Green Collar job postings. So if you’re enrolled currently in a one of these institutions, make sure to specifically ask about them at your career services office. If you aren’t enrolled, many times community colleges will allow anyone looking for work to enroll at their job fairs, so don’t be afraid to ask!

Find out about the next career fair at your school or in the area and make sure you’re on the list. Green Collar is becoming bigger all the time, so there are now many urban and regional job recruitment fairs dedicated specifically to Green Collar jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers.

Most of us are already familiar with “white collar” and “blue collar” jobs. Now, there’s a new collar in town – the green collar. What does having a green collar really mean? Career experts explain that green collar workers often work in many of the same industries and career fields as their blue and white counterparts. The difference is that green collar jobs contribute directly to generating energy cleanly and improving the environment.

Some green collar jobs require specialized training, but President Obama’s administration wants to help. In addition to allocating about $20 billion for creating a greener economy, the President’s stimulus plan supplies $500 million to green training and education programs.

Every time wind turbines pop up, or new solar panels are installed, knowledgeable workers are needed to construct, maintain and repair them. In a shaky economy, people want to achieve employment and financial stability more than ever. Many people see the green industry as a step in this direction.

In March, Vice President Joe Biden said people who made $20 an hour before a green jobs training program can make $50 per hour after. Additionally, these green jobs pay an average of 10 to 20% more than similar work outside the green industry.

For many workers and students, the choice to join in on the green movement is an easy one. With rising energy costs, some homeowners have no choice but to improve their energy efficiency. To environmental and career experts, this means an increase in demand for skilled green collar professionals.

Want to be a part of the green movement? You have lots of options! Whether a green career in business, construction and manufacturing, or engineering most interests you, you can contribute to a healthier planet. Check out the programs offered at schools in your area and get creative. There are countless ways to turn green ways of life into a rewarding career.