Green Jobs

In order for communities to fully embrace green infrastructure--which is often and erroneously perceived as costly and even "job-killing"--the case for cost effectiveness, multiple community benefits, and job creation potential needs to be made again and again. Across the nation, more and more cities are proving that green Infrastructure IS improving water quality cost effectively; IS making for communities healthier, safer, and more livable; and that it IS spurring economic development. From design and installation to ongoing maintenance, there's a growing niche supporting green infrastructure: besides creating new opportunities within existing sectors like landscaping, paving, and building, entire new industries are emerging. And this is only the start...

Together with our partners at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership (TTf), U.S. Forest Service Philadelphia Field Station, and Philadelphia Dept of Parks and Recreation (PPR), we've been involved in developing a Training Curriculum to introduce key concepts in GSI. Sustaining Green Infrastructure Through Proper Landscape Management has been piloted in the City of Philadelphia and we're proud to say that it's resulting in greener cityscapes, healthier waterways, inspired job-seekers--and, yes, trainees with jobs!

After watching the Healthy Urban Waters video, dig into the Five Training Modules to learn more about green infrastructure, how to recognize whether various types of "green tools" are doing well or are in need of help, and what to do to maintain the systems so they function the way they were planned. Who knows, this might be the start of your own journey into the exciting world of community greening -- a journey that could lead to a rewarding career!

There has been debate about the effectiveness of green infrastructure, apprehension that all GSI efforts are expensive, and misinformation stating that investing in Clean Water costs communities jobs. As more urban areas adopt green practices, there's a growing body of evidence showing that greening does improve water quality while providing multiple community benefits; that it's often cheaper than "grey" alternatives in the long run; and that it actually boosts local economies by creating jobs, not driving them away.