So, I identify as a Green Collar. Not white, not blue, but GREEN. This is the key theme of this blog. But let’s be honest, I am simultaneously mortified to call myself a Green Collar. After all, I am more a keyboard fighter than a tree-hugging green warrior. That’s the reality of working in Corporate Sustainability.
What does that even mean? It means my job is to collect data, set target, develop strategy, convince stakeholders, find funding, then ……hmm, hand it off to the right person to actually do the green action. I never installed a solar panel myself nor have I ever touched any soil or saved any bees. (In fact, I might have killed one, but, hey, it stung me. It was an accident!) But, some say, jobs like mine are very crucial for driving the green transition. And the last time I updated my resume, I was pretty convincing myself and I didn’t even blush. The truth is, I sometimes wish I could be more hands-on. You know, actually doing some of those things.
OK, let’s circle back to “Green Collar”. What is a “Green collar”? As a sustainability professional, I naturally researched (= googled) it to find some third party evidence to substantiate my claim. (For future reference, third-party evidence and substantiate my claim are two essential greenwashing-proof techniques.) Here is the definition that best matches my view:
Green-collar workers are individuals employed in jobs that contribute to environmental sustainability, conservation, and the promotion of eco-friendly practices. These roles often involve working with renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and other areas focused on reducing environmental impact. Green-collar jobs are crucial for advancing environmental protection and fostering a sustainable future. (Source: https://www.qualee.com/hr-glossary/green-collar-workers)
Warning : Even though I agree with this definition, the list of Green Collar jobs in that article feels a bit narrow and dated. Green Collar jobs have much wider varieties and cooler job titles than that list suggests. So, please don’t hold it against me.
Based on this definition, I can confidently declare that I am a green collar. Fair and square. In fact, based on this definition, I have been a green collar for 16 years now. Although, for the first 10 years, I was just doing what I found interesting and good for the environment without intentionally pursuing a career in sustainability. I often tell people that I could never have planned this career path, no matter how hard I tried.
In future posts, I will be sharing my journey to becoming a full time Green Collar, along with work anecdotes, bit of sustainability gossips and some serious stuff too! Stay tuned.