Move over Al Gore, here comes Alec Loorz. My first (and not last) guy on Women Of Green. At the age of 12, Alec founded Kids vs Global Warming after watching Al Gore’s movie, “An Inconvenient Truth.” Feeling the weight of the global situation and a sense that he could make a difference, Alec felt compelled to tell other kids about the problems we are facing and created a presentation made specifically for youth, full of videos, animation, easy-to-understand science, and compelling motivation for youths from Kindergarten to college age.

When I grabbed Alec in the hallway at the LOHAS Forum for an interview, he was oozing with enthusiasm. No wonder, he just had a standing ovation at the forum. I knew I had to grab him fast before he was swallowed up by the crowd. (This is where being 6 feet tall really helps). Alec’s message is deeply rooted in hope, encouraging kids to speak up and let their voices be heard on this issue. He also has a big message for mommies. So women, listen up. Out of the mouths and hearts of babes perhaps we’ll change the course we’re on. If it’s up to Alec, it’s a done deal.

About my guest: Alec Loorz is one of the leading voices in the US on the issue of climate change, calling the “ruling generation” to consider the needs of his and future generations in their actions. Now 15 years old, Alec has been a climate change activist for 3 years and spoken to over 20,000 people in over 100 presentations and keynotes throughout the country. Alec inspires youth to get involved in bringing about change in their families, their schools and their communities. Currently the youngest trained presenter of Al Gore’s Inconvenient Truth presentation, Alec founded his own non-profit called Kids vs Global Warming when he was 13. Their mission is to inspire youth to lead the way to a sustainable and just society.

A Big Thank You to Ted Ning and Mia Herron for helping us bring you the last 4 shows. All of them were recorded at the LOHAS Forum in Boulder, Colorado. Make sure you put on it on your calendar for next spring. I’ll see you there!    

Want to be part of the ongoing conversation with other WOGs around the world? Become a fan of Women Of Green on Facebook.  

Here are other ways to connect too.  

Follow WOG on Twitter 

My LinkedIn Profile

Mind Over Markets, A Strategic Green Marketing Communications & Design Company 

Green Marketing Blog, Effective Messaging for the Maturing Green Market

I am a granola freak. I eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. One holiday I even made granola for all my friends in pretty packages. The problem is I ate most of it. Something I am not proud of.  

So my guest is a woman after my own heart. She started a granola company three years ago and recently sold her one millionth bar. When I asked her the impact she wants to have on the planet, she said, “Everyone has the right to pure and simple food.” It’s that simple for Alison.

Alison Bailey Vercruysse is the CEO and founder of 18 Rabbits. Her love for granola and serving up simple ingredients goes way back to her childhood. Her deep love for her mom (not to mention her secret recipes) stands at the core of the 18 Rabbits brand. Made from ingredients like organic coconut, California almonds, and Straus butter (see I can pronounce all of them) make 18 Rabbits a wholesome, mouth-watering treat. But don’t believe me. If you tell us your favorite “rabbit” story or quip in the comment box below, I’ll send you a free, super yummy 18 Rabbits granola bar — compliments of Alison. What’s up with the rabbits? Listen to this podcast and you’ll see. 

This podcast was recorded at the LOHAS Forum in Boulder, Colorado. 

About my guest: Alison worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, but found her heart was in creating baked goods. In San Francisco, she delved into the pastry kitchen at the acclaimed Citizen Cake as an apprentice, and then learned hands-on production in the pastry kitchen at Taste Catering. Since Alison found her passion, she is always creating new recipes and rarely makes the same one twice. She also loves to experiment with unique ingredients that she has found on her travels, in written literature or while conversing with people from around the world.

A couple times a year Alison travels to the French countryside where part of her family lives in a 2000-year-old farmhouse among vines, olive trees, a fruit orchard and vegetable garden. She enjoys immersing herself in learning century-old cooking techniques; plucking the fruit off the vines and watching her nephew devour whatever she makes. Alison lives in a Victorian flat in San Francisco with her husband, Craig, a few blocks from Golden Gate Park where they take long strolls under the Redwoods and Cypress trees. They also both host a monthly cooking segment on ABC’s View from the Bay. Alison holds an MBA from DePaul University and a BBA from Southern Methodist University.

Alison links

18 Rabbits

Recent reviews: Mother Nature Network and Delicious Living  

Want to be part of the ongoing conversation with other WOGs around the world? Become a fan of Women Of Green on Facebook.  

Here are other ways to connect too.  

Follow me on Twitter 

My LinkedIn Profile 

Calling all Women Entreprenuers! If you are a women who owns or runs a green business, I am starting two WOG Green Business Coaching Groups for both start-up business owners and advanced business owners (in a green business for over 3 years). Here’s some info below on what you’ll be getting yourself into. Come join us if you are serious about starting or growing your green business. 

1. Starting a Successful Green Business Coaching Group.  The green market is growing in leaps and bounds. But with it, thousands of new products and services enter the marketplace every year. It’s no longer enough to just be green.You have to be great. In this WOG Green Business Coaching Group for start-ups, you will get the solid footing you need in order to start and grow a successful and sustainable business. 

This group meets every other week by phone for 90 minutes. In between sessions, there will be targeted homework to continue the efforts established on our calls. This program is limited to 8 women so that each business owner gets the attention and expertise she needs. Your participation in this group will include a one-on-one session with me in a specific area of your choice.  Commitment: $350.00 a month for 6 months. 

2. Growing a Successful Green Business Coaching Group. If you have been a green business owner for over 3 years, your personal and business needs are different. Our WOG Green Business Coaching Group for the advanced business owner is designed to speak to the issues confronting growing your green business in this economic climate – while creating and maintaining a balanced and joyful life. In the company of other business women like you, we will design and co-create the intention and goals of the group to meet the specific needs of the women business owners involved. 

Some areas of focus: 

• Keeping your vision strong amidst economic and personal challenges   
• New ways of balancing work, life and family
• Creating a strong network and support system 
• Overcoming financial obstacles: Making money while making a difference

Due to the nature of this group, it is limited to 8 women owning and running a green business. WOG Green Business Coaching Group meets every other week by phone for 90 minutes.Your participation in this group will include a one-on-one session with me in a specific area of your choice. Commitment: $350.00 a month for 6 months. 

For more information on WOG Coaching Groups, please call me at 505-231-2342 or email me here: carolyn (at) mindovermarkets (dot) com. 

Women With Wings Coaching, For Women Who are Ready to Fly 

Mind Over Markets, A Strategic Green Marketing Communications & Design Company 

Green Marketing Blog, Effective Messaging for the Maturing Green Market

Photo by Cheyenne Ellis

Taiji, a little town with a really big secret.

That’s how the Academy Award winning documentary film, The Cove, begins. The really big secret that takes place in this little fishing town in Japan is a really big nightmare. Year after year, dolphins on a migratory path are surrounded by fishing boats, slaughtered and sold for their meat. Hundreds of thousands of dolphins have died in this cove. Except for the young, female dolphins which sell for up to $150,000 to marine parks and “swim with dolphin” programs around the world. 

This is the backdrop of my conversation with Paula DuPre’ Pesmen, the producer of The Cove. Paula shares how this film has impacted her and why its message shouldn’t just end with the filmmakers. “One person can make a difference. You can make a difference,” she said out loud. And she proves this every day of her life through her non-profit, There With Care. Her mission:  To provide a range of practical services for children and families facing critical illness in order to ease the burden of life’s day-to-day obligations during a medical crisis. We love you Paula! 

This is interview two in a four-part LOHAS forum guest series.

About my guest: Paula DuPre’ Pesmen was an Associate Producer on many films including the first three Harry Potter films, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Rent. In 2005, Paula founded the Colorado based non-profit, There With Care, and also began working with friend and director, Louie Psihoyos, as a Producer on the 2010 Academy Award winning documentary film, The Cove. During her time on the first three Potter films, Paula was inspired by more than 65 families of critically ill children through a program she started welcoming them to the Potter sets for their wish-for-a-day.

Want to be part of the ongoing conversation with other WOGs around the world? Become a fan of Women Of Green on Facebook.  

Here are other ways to connect too.  

Follow me on Twitter 

My LinkedIn Profile 

Calling all Women Entreprenuers! If you are a women who owns or runs a green business, I am starting two WOG Green Business Coaching Groups for both start-up business owners and advanced business owners (in a green business for over 3 years). Here’s some info below on what you’ll be getting yourself into. Come join us if you are serious about starting or growing your green business. 

1. Starting a Successful Green Business Coaching Group.  The green market is growing in leaps and bounds. But with it, thousands of new products and services enter the marketplace every year. It’s no longer enough to just be green.You have to be great. In this WOG Green Business Coaching Group for start-ups, you will get the solid footing you need in order to start and grow a successful and sustainable business. 

This group meets every other week by phone for 90 minutes. In between sessions, there will be targeted homework to continue the efforts established on our calls. This program is limited to 8 women so that each business owner gets the attention and expertise she needs. Your participation in this group will include a one-on-one session with me in a specific area of your choice.  Commitment: $350.00 a month for 6 months. 

2. Growing a Successful Green Business Coaching Group. If you have been a green business owner for over 3 years, your personal and business needs are different. Our WOG Green Business Coaching Group for the advanced business owner is designed to speak to the issues confronting growing your green business in this economic climate – while creating and maintaining a balanced and joyful life. In the company of other business women like you, we will design and co-create the intention and goals of the group to meet the specific needs of the women business owners involved. 

Some areas of focus: 

• Keeping your vision strong amidst economic and personal challenges   
• New ways of balancing work, life and family
• Creating a strong network and support system 
• Overcoming financial obstacles: Making money while making a difference

Due to the nature of this group, it is limited to 8 women owning and running a green business. WOG Green Business Coaching Group meets every other week by phone for 90 minutes.Your participation in this group will include a one-on-one session with me in a specific area of your choice. Commitment: $350.00 a month for 6 months. 

For more information on WOG Coaching Groups, please call me at 505-231-2342 or email me here: carolyn (at) mindovermarkets (dot) com. 

“Carolyn Parrs is the most knowledgeable, experienced and personable Coach and ally that I can imagine. From the moment I met her to my most recent session, I continue to be so ‘greatful’ to have her support and expertise on a crucial part of my journey. It has made a tremendous difference.” 

– Colleen Kelley, Artist, Author, Teacher, Counselor 

Women With Wings Coaching, For Women Who are Ready to Fly 

Mind Over Markets, A Strategic Green Marketing Communications & Design Company 

Green Marketing Blog, Effective Messaging for the Maturing Green Market

I recently attended the LOHAS forum in Boulder, Colorado. Knowing that some of the heroines of sustainability would be there, I came equipped with my Zoom recorder and New York chutzpah, and managed to get my mike in front of some truly remarkable people doing truly remarkable things. In the next few podcasts, you’ll get to hear from Paula DePre Pesman, the producer of the Academy award winning film, The Cove. Alec Loorz, a 16 year old force-of-nature tackling global warming. And the amazing Alison Bailey Vercruysse who just sold her one millionth granola bar. God, I love this gig!

My guest today is woman I have known for a number of years. Tara Grodjesk and I met about 4 years ago when I was helping actress, Marsha Mason, launch her natural products company, Resting in the River. Back then, Tara told me about an idea she was percolating — a professional network to help spa owners green up. What was a seed is now fully sprouted.  

The Green Spa Network is a thriving membership organization that helps spa owners take specific steps to green up their spas. And there’s more than 14,000 in the US alone. Tara shares her journey and passion in how she’s helping an industry she’s been intimately engaged with for over 25 years take a healthy and prosperous leap into the future.  

About my guest: Tara Grodjesk is the President and Owner of Tara Spa Therapy, Inc. She has devoted her 27 years of experience in wellness to refining bodywork techniques, creating innovative body treatments and offering a careful selection of high quality natural products for health and the spa market today. Since 1989, Tara has been designing programs for world-class hotels, resorts and day spas as well as providing high-quality, detailed training for their therapists. Tara also serves as a Founding Board Member of the Green Spa Network whose goal is bringing sustainable operating practices to the spa industry.

Tara’s links: 

Become a fan of Tara on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pages/Carmel-CA/Tara-Spa-Therapy/67385511051

Stay up-to-date with all things Tara via TWITTER: http://twitter.com/TaraSpaTherapy

Tara’s Blog: http://taraspa.blogspot.com/

 Watch Tara on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/TaraSpaTherapy

Want to be part of the ongoing conversation with other WOGs around the world? Become a fan of Women Of Green on Facebook.  

Here are other ways to connect too.  

Follow me on Twitter 

My LinkedIn Profile 

Calling all Women Entreprenuers! If you are a women who owns or runs a green business, I am starting two WOG Green Business Coaching Groups for both start-up business owners and advanced business owners (in a green business for over 3 years). Here’s some info below on what you’ll be getting yourself into. Come join us if you are serious about starting or growing your green business. 

1. Starting a Successful Green Business Coaching Group.  The green market is growing in leaps and bounds. But with it, thousands of new products and services enter the marketplace every year. It’s no longer enough to just be green.You have to be great. In this WOG Green Business Coaching Group for start-ups, you will get the solid footing you need in order to start and grow a successful and sustainable business. 

This group meets every other week by phone for 90 minutes. In between sessions, there will be targeted homework to continue the efforts established on our calls. This program is limited to 8 women so that each business owner gets the attention and expertise she needs. Your participation in this group will include a one-on-one session with me in a specific area of your choice.  Commitment: $350.00 a month for 6 months. 

Coaching topics: 

• Vision and Purpose: Clarifying the purpose underlying your business
• Creating Business Strategies : Your Business Compass
• Green Marketing Essentials and Branding
• Goals and Plans: Your roadmap for the next 6 months.

2. Growing a Successful Green Business Coaching Group. If you have been a green business owner for over 3 years, your personal and business needs are different. Our WOG Green Business Coaching Group for the advanced business owner is designed to speak to the issues confronting growing your green business in this economic climate – while creating and maintaining a balanced and joyful life. In the company of other business women like you, we will design and co-create the intention and goals of the group to meet the specific needs of the women business owners involved. 

Some areas of focus: 

• Keeping your vision strong amidst economic and personal challenges   
• New ways of balancing work, life and family
• Creating a strong network and support system 
• Overcoming financial obstacles: Making money while making a difference

Due to the nature of this group, it is limited to 8 women owning and running a green business. WOG Green Business Coaching Group meets every other week by phone for 90 minutes.Your participation in this group will include a one-on-one session with me in a specific area of your choice. Commitment: $350.00 a month for 6 months. 

For more information on WOG Coaching Groups, please call me at 505-231-2342 or email me here: carolyn (at) mindovermarkets (dot) com. 

“Carolyn Parrs is the most knowledgeable, experienced and personable Coach and ally that I can imagine. From the moment I met her to my most recent session, I continue to be so ‘greatful’ to have her support and expertise on a crucial part of my journey. It has made a tremendous difference.” 

– Colleen Kelley, Artist, Author, Teacher, Counselor 

Women With Wings Coaching, For Women Who are Ready to Fly 

Mind Over Markets, A Strategic Green Marketing Communications & Design Company 

Green Marketing Blog, Effective Messaging for the Maturing Green Market

For years, one of the biggest roadblocks to going green is the price. Typically green or organic goods can be anywhere from 20 to 50 percent more. So unless you’re a die hard greenie, you very well may pass up the organic kitty litter for the more conventional type. Not any more. Thanks to Karen Schiff, a woman who knows the art of green deal, There’s EcoBunga, an online directory that lists hundreds of green giveaways and deals everyday. From hybrid cars to organic foods. And since the site’s launch in 2008, Karen has personally reviewed thousands of green promotions, screening each one to ensure that the listing is truly green and truly a deal before publishing it online. 

About my guest: Karen Schiff is co-founder of Ecobunga!, an online directory listing hundreds of green giveaways and deals.  Ecobunga! is a Green America-approved business which has over 10,000 eco-conscious shoppers subscribed to its newsletter, Facebook, RSS and Twitter feeds. Karen oversees the content and marketing of Ecobunga! Since the site launched in 2008, she has personally reviewed thousands of green promotions, screening each one to ensure that the listing is truly green and truly a deal before publishing it online. 

Karen’s favorite links: 

http://www.ecobunga.com  

Press and Reviews on Ecobunga: http://www.ecobunga.com/press-buzz 

For green businesses that want to submit a listing: www.ecobunga.com/addadeal 

Want to be part of the ongoing conversation with other WOGs around the world? Become a fan of Women Of Green on Facebook.  

Here are other ways to connect too.  

Follow me on Twitter 

My LinkedIn Profile 

Calling all Women Entreprenuers! If you are a women who owns or runs a green business, I am starting two WOG Green Business Coaching Groups for both start-up business owners and advanced business owners (in a green business for over 3 years). Here’s some info below on what you’ll be getting yourself into. Come join us if you are serious about starting or growing your green business. 

1. Starting a Successful Green Business Coaching Group.  The green market is growing in leaps and bounds. But with it, thousands of new products and services enter the marketplace every year. It’s no longer enough to just be green.You have to be great. In this WOG Green Business Coaching Group for start-ups, you will get the solid footing you need in order to start and grow a successful and sustainable business. 

This group meets every other week by phone for 90 minutes. In between sessions, there will be targeted homework to continue the efforts established on our calls. This program is limited to 8 women so that each business owner gets the attention and expertise she needs. Your participation in this group will include a one-on-one session with me in a specific area of your choice.  Commitment: $350.00 a month for 6 months. 

Coaching topics: 

• Vision and Purpose: Clarifying the purpose underlying your business
• Creating Business Strategies : Your Business Compass
• Green Marketing Essentials and Branding
• Goals and Plans: Your roadmap for the next 6 months.

2. Growing a Successful Green Business Coaching Group. If you have been a green business owner for over 3 years, your personal and business needs are different. Our WOG Green Business Coaching Group for the advanced business owner is designed to speak to the issues confronting growing your green business in this economic climate – while creating and maintaining a balanced and joyful life. In the company of other business women like you, we will design and co-create the intention and goals of the group to meet the specific needs of the women business owners involved. 

Some areas of focus: 

• Keeping your vision strong amidst economic and personal challenges   
• New ways of balancing work, life and family
• Creating a strong network and support system 
• Overcoming financial obstacles: Making money while making a difference

Due to the nature of this group, it is limited to 8 women owning and running a green business. WOG Green Business Coaching Group meets every other week by phone for 90 minutes.Your participation in this group will include a one-on-one session with me in a specific area of your choice. Commitment: $350.00 a month for 6 months. 

For more information on WOG Coaching Groups, please call me at 505-231-2342 or email me here: carolyn (at) mindovermarkets (dot) com. 

“Carolyn Parrs is the most knowledgeable, experienced and personable Coach and ally that I can imagine. From the moment I met her to my most recent session, I continue to be so ‘greatful’ to have her support and expertise on a crucial part of my journey. It has made a tremendous difference.” 

– Colleen Kelley, Artist, Author, Teacher, Counselor 

Women With Wings Coaching, For Women Who are Ready to Fly 

Mind Over Markets, A Strategic Green Marketing Communications & Design Company 

Green Marketing Blog, Effective Messaging for the Maturing Green Market

– Carolyn

One year ago, BP’s most senior woman left the company. Vivienne Cox was the head of the company’s renewable energy business. A lifelong proponent and pusher of sustainability issues, she was one of the many women to leave the company after the current CEO Tony Hayward took over from Lord Brown, something 20-first.com reported on at the time. Watching the current debacle and the culture that created it, one wonders had she and the other women stayed, would BP be in its current mess?

Read more

Here’s a headline this week on the oil spill: 

UPDATE: BP aims to stop 90 pct of oil spill flow with cap.  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - BP aims for the containment cap placed over the gushing well pipe in the Gulf of Mexico to stop at least 90 percent of the flow of oil spilling into the ocean, a senior official with the British energy giant said today.  “I’d like to see us capture 90 plus percent of this flow. I think that’s possible with this design,”  BP Chief Operating Officer Doug Suttles told the CBS “Early Show.”  Suttles told CNN of the containment cap: “It should work.” 

Well, apparently it hasn’t.

My guest today is working hard along with thousands of other volunteers on another solution. Containing the spew with hair – human hair, dog hair, even alpaca hair. This nationwide effort is led by the not-for-profit organization, Matter of Trust, that turns the collected hair into oil collection mats and tubes. And so far they’ve collected hair from thousands of individuals and over 40,000 businesses have signed up.

This podcast is on location at a local salon in Santa Fe. Melodi Wyss-Feliciano, the owner of Rock Paper Scissor Salonspa, is leading the way in New Mexico and has collected boxes and boxes of hair not only from her salon, but others in New Mexico. Yesterday, she added my hair. What about yours? Think of it, your strands seeping up the sludge. It’s a beautiful thing.

If you’re in New Mexico, here’s your chance to donate your locks at the Clean-Up the Gulf Cut-a-Thon at Rock Paper Scissor on Monday, June 7 from 1-5pm. All Proceeds go to Matter Of Trust. Rock Paper Scissor Salonspa, 301 N. Guadalupe, Santa Fe, NM. Call 505-955-8500 for more info.

What about your town?

About my guest: Melodi Wyss-Feliciano is the owner of Rock Paper Scissor Salonspa in Santa Fe, NM. For over 25 years, she has journeyed into different areas of the beauty business but has most enjoyed her work as a color educator and salon owner. When she was 23, she moved to Europe and studied under some of the best hairdressers in the industry. Melodi lives in Santa Fe now with her two children and husband. She says, “It has been my greatest joy to be involved in a community and run a business that employs a dozen members of it. We are committed to paying a living wage, being concience of our footprint and helping others when we can.” 

Melodi’s favorite links:

http://www.rockpaperscissorsalonspa.com

http://matteroftrust.org

I want to hear from you! If you could have the ear of BP and you knew they were listening, what would you say? I will post responses right here on the home page of Women Of Green!   

Calling all Women Entreprenuers! If you are a women who owns or runs a green business, I am starting two WOG Green Business Coaching Groups for both start-up business owners and advanced business owners (in a green business for over 3 years). Here’s some info below on what you’ll be getting yourself into. Come join us if you are serious about starting or growing your green business.

1. Starting a Successful Green Business Coaching Group.  The green market is growing in leaps and bounds. But with it, thousands of new products and services enter the marketplace every year. It’s no longer enough to just be green.You have to be great. In this WOG Green Business Coaching Group for start-ups, you will get the solid footing you need in order to start and grow a successful and sustainable business.

This group meets every other week by phone for 90 minutes. In between sessions, there will be targeted homework to continue the efforts established on our calls. This program is limited to 8 women so that each business owner gets the attention and expertise she needs. Your participation in this group will include a one-on-one session with me in a specific area of your choice.  Commitment: $350.00 a month for 6 months.

Coaching topics:

• Vision and Purpose: Clarifying the purpose underlying your business
• Creating Business Strategies : Your Business Compass
• Green Marketing Essentials and Branding
• Goals and Plans: Your roadmap for the next 6 months.

2. Growing a Successful Green Business Coaching Group. If you have been a green business owner for over 3 years, your personal and business needs are different. Our WOG Green Business Coaching Group for the advanced business owner is designed to speak to the issues confronting growing your green business in this economic climate – while creating and maintaining a balanced and joyful life. In the company of other business women like you, we will design and co-create the intention and goals of the group to meet the specific needs of the women business owners involved.

Some areas of focus:

• Keeping your vision strong amidst economic and personal challenges   
• New ways of balancing work, life and family
• Creating a strong network and support system 
• Overcoming financial obstacles: Making money while making a difference

Due to the nature of this group, it is limited to 8 women owning and running a green business. WOG Green Business Coaching Group meets every other week by phone for 90 minutes.Your participation in this group will include a one-on-one session with me in a specific area of your choice. Commitment: $350.00 a month for 6 months.

For more information on WOG Coaching Groups, please call me at 505-231-2342 or email me here: carolyn (at) mindovermarkets (dot) com.

“Carolyn Parrs is the most knowledgeable, experienced and personable Coach and ally that I can imagine. From the moment I met her to my most recent session, I continue to be so ‘greatful’ to have her support and expertise on a crucial part of my journey. It has made a tremendous difference.”

– Colleen Kelley, Artist, Author, Teacher, Counselor

Want to be part of the ongoing conversation with other WOGs around the world? Become a fan of Women Of Green on Facebook. 

Here are other ways to connect too.

Follow me on Twitter

My LinkedIn Profile

Women With Wings Coaching, For Women Who are Ready to Fly

Mind Over Markets, A Strategic Green Marketing Communications & Design Company

Green Marketing Blog, Effective Messaging for the Maturing Green Market

Women across the nation are preparing to play an integral role in the green economy, and the United States will need their help if we’re going to pull ourselves out of the recession and compete in the new economy on a global scale. CAP’s Jorge Madrid has the story in this repost.

It’s true that men have been hit the hardest in the recession as far an unemployment numbers go, but we will need to seize the opportunity to diversify the future workforce in a way that will incorporate all workers in all areas of the clean energy economy—including those where women have been traditionally underrepresented.

Women in Burlington, Vermont are training for careers in the fields of green construction, renewable energy, and energy efficiency as part of the Vermont Works for Women project. Women Going Green in Atlanta, Georgia is educating women in management and entrepreneurial opportunities in the clean energy economy. And young women in Los Angeles, California are receiving science, technology, engineering, and math education through the Infrastructure Academy, which will prepare them for high-paying, high-demand careers developing the next generation of clean energy technology.

The numbers don’t lie—women compose nearly half of the total workforce in the United States and are projected to account for half of the total labor force growth between 2006 and 2016. Women have higher levels of college enrollment, attain college degrees at an equal rate that men, and surpass men in total graduate and undergraduate degrees by roughly 1.2 million.

The United States needs women to engage and succeed in the clean energy economy—and women must be able to connect with education and training programs to access robust career paths and equal economic opportunities. Highlighted are three diverse sectors in particular where women can play a significant role: green collar jobs, engineering, and entrepreneurship.

Green collar jobs

Opportunities to obtain green collar jobs—family-supporting, career track jobs in green industries—abound in the clean energy economy. Yet women face significant barriers to accessing necessary education and training programs.

Traditional jobs in the construction, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors are being revamped and reinvigorated to include elements of clean energy production, alternative fuels, sustainable agriculture and bio-energy, clean technology manufacturing, and much more. Demand will increase for skilled workers in these industries as federal mandate and consumer demand increase for more energy efficient homes, renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines, and fuel efficient vehicle.

One significant challenge for women in these industries is that they are still largely considered “nontraditional” for women workers, with women comprising less than 3 percent of total workers in some sectors. The Vermont Works for Women Project is but one example of successful community partnerships that are training more women in these skilled trades. Federal policy can also help ensure that all potential green collar workers, including low-income women, have an equitable opportunity to attain skills training and employment in the clean energy economy.

Science and engineering

The clean energy economy is a high-tech economy, relying on the expansion of cutting edge technology and continued scientific advancement. We will need a ready corps of highly trained, highly skilled scientists and engineers that can perform the research and development needed for innovation if we are to sustain the new high-tech economy in a globally competitive market. Women can and should be included in this facet of the clean energy economy as well as the more labor-intensive, green-collar jobs.

Yet women make up a relatively small share of the relevant science, technology, engineering, and math programs, or STEM programs, in colleges and are an even smaller share of the professional workforce. The National Science Foundation reports that in 2006 women earned 41 percent of the bachelor’s degrees in earth, atmospheric, and ocean sciences and roughly 20 percent of the degrees in physics and engineering. The numbers start small and shrink as women’s careers develop. Women earned only 35 percent of the Ph.D.s in the earth, atmospheric, and ocean sciences, and only 17 percent of those in physics. Engineering has a much different narrative. Women earned 20 percent of the engineering Ph.D.s in 2006—the same percentage as those receiving bachelor’s degrees—but the numbers drop significantly in the workforce. Women made up only 10 percent of the engineering workforce in 2008 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The imperative to train future women engineers and scientists is also a crucial matter of global competiveness. Technology and innovation will drive the new high-tech clean energy economy, and competition will be on a global scale. Rising nations such as China and India are making substantial investment in research and capacity building related to the clean energy economy, and they will challenge the United States’ economic and technological advantage in this sector.

Clean energy entrepreneurship

Women?owned businesses grew at twice the national average for all other business types between 1997 and 2008. An estimated 10.1 million companies, or 40 percent of all privately owned firms, were owned by women as of 2008. Women-owned businesses also have an annual economic impact of $3 trillion in terms of sales revenue, income generation, and job creation, and create or maintain more than 23 million jobs, or 16 percent of all U.S. employment.

This surge in women-owned businesses is developing parallel to the emergence of new market sectors experiencing high demand within the clean energy economy. Increased demand for eco-friendly products and services, along with unprecedented federal investment in clean energy infrastructure, has stimulated a robust market for new business and entrepreneurial activities in areas ranging from renewable energy and energy efficiency services, eco-friendly clothing and household products, waste management and recycling, to carbon offsets and trading and sustainable agriculture, produce, and forestry.

There is potential for robust demand within the clean energy economy, but starting a business can still be a challenging task for any would-be entrepreneurs in the current economic climate, and has shown to be an even greater challenge for women. Access to startup capital and financing is one of the biggest challenges facing women entrepreneurs, along with access to business networks, supply chains, and technical expertise. Women Going Green is one example of a successful community-based organization helping link women to these resources—others include small and minority business associations, women’s chambers of commerce, and numerous local, national, and international women’s organizations.

Women-owned businesses and firms also need access to federal contracting opportunities. A 2006 survey found that, only 3.4 percent of federal contracts are held by women-owned firms. But women-owned firms must have an opportunity to bid competitively with a robust market of clean energy and energy efficiency contract opportunities becoming available from federal investments such as the $36.7 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Addressing these barriers will be a key feature in fully realizing the positive potential of women-owned businesses.

Conclusion

If the United States hopes to pull itself out of the recession and compete in the global clean technology market, it must activate scores of women green-collar workers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers. These careers will experience a high volume of demand in the clean energy economy, and it should be a national priority to ensure equitable access to jobs and career training and education.

Remember my Earth Day guest, Rebecca Harrell Tickell, the author of Hot Rich and Green? If you remember, the book revealed secrets that woman are using to get rich and save the planet. Well, I found my guest today in Rebecca’s book and she shares some of her secrets to her success including how connection with your community trumps “hard work” — and how being authentic was her competitive advantage over other “how to green up your whatever” businesses. I love Rachael’s honesty and transparency in this interview as she shares openly her own emotional journey in life, in business and in green.   

About my guest: Rachael Joy is a filmmaker and activist from an early age.She is passionate about two things: great storytelling and the environment. She was 15 when she founded her high school’s Eco-Sea Club, 17 when she hosted a teen talk show and only 22 when she became the youngest member of the Producers Guild of America.

She’s produced non-fiction TV for Discovery, Animal Planet, TLC, HGTV and Current TV to name a few. Her work has been recognized by the Academy of TV Arts and Sciences, the New York Television Festival and the Independent Television Festival Los Angeles. Understanding the power of media to spread awareness, she decided to combine her interests and founded EcoPop.tv, where she produces and hosts a series dedicated to green stories that are fun, informative and occasionally irreverent. Her goal is to engage people and inspire them to explore environmental issues and live an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Rachael’s links:

http://ecopop.tv
http://rachaeljoy.tv
http://twitter.com/rachaeljoyTV

I want to hear from you! Every show I ask my guest, “If you were Queen of the Universe, what would you do to fix the mess we’re in?” So now it’s your turn. I will post responses right here on teh home page of Women Of Green!   

Calling all Women Entreprenuers! If you are a women who owns or runs a green business, I am starting two WOG Green Business Coaching Groups for both start-up business owners and advanced business owners (in a green business for over 3 years). Here’s some info below on what you’ll be getting yourself into. Come join us if you are serious about starting or growing your green business.

1. Starting a Successful Green Business Coaching Group.  The green market is growing in leaps and bounds. But with it, thousands of new products and services enter the marketplace every year. It’s no longer enough to just be green.You have to be great. In this WOG Green Business Coaching Group for start-ups, you will get the solid footing you need in order to start and grow a successful and sustainable business.

This group meets every other week by phone for 90 minutes. In between sessions, there will be targeted homework to continue the efforts established on our calls. This program is limited to 8 women so that each business owner gets the attention and expertise she needs. Your participation in this group will include a one-on-one session with me in a specific area of your choice.  Commitment: $350.00 a month for 6 months.

Coaching topics:

• Vision and Purpose: Clarifying the purpose underlying your business
• Creating Business Strategies : Your Business Compass
• Green Marketing Essentials and Branding
• Goals and Plans: Your roadmap for the next 6 months.

2. Growing a Successful Green Business Coaching Group. If you have been a green business owner for over 3 years, your personal and business needs are different. Our WOG Green Business Coaching Group for the advanced business owner is designed to speak to the issues confronting growing your green business in this economic climate – while creating and maintaining a balanced and joyful life. In the company of other business women like you, we will design and co-create the intention and goals of the group to meet the specific needs of the women business owners involved.

Some areas of focus:

• Keeping your vision strong amidst economic and personal challenges   
• New ways of balancing work, life and family
• Creating a strong network and support system 
• Overcoming financial obstacles: Making money while making a difference

Due to the nature of this group, it is limited to 8 women owning and running a green business. WOG Green Business Coaching Group meets every other week by phone for 90 minutes.Your participation in this group will include a one-on-one session with me in a specific area of your choice. Commitment: $350.00 a month for 6 months.

For more information on WOG Coaching Groups, please call me at 505-231-2342 or email me here: carolyn (at) mindovermarkets (dot) com.

“Carolyn Parrs is the most knowledgeable, experienced and personable Coach and ally that I can imagine. From the moment I met her to my most recent session, I continue to be so ‘greatful’ to have her support and expertise on a crucial part of my journey. It has made a tremendous difference.”

– Colleen Kelley, Artist, Author, Teacher, Counselor

Want to be part of the ongoing conversation with other WOGs around the world? Become a fan of Women Of Green on Facebook. 

Here are other ways to connect too.

Follow me on Twitter

My LinkedIn Profile

Women With Wings Coaching, For Women Who are Ready to Fly

Mind Over Markets, A Strategic Green Marketing Communications & Design Company

Green Marketing Blog, Effective Messaging for the Maturing Green Market

Consumers buy over $200 billion of natural personal care and cleaning products, organic produce, hybrid cars, fair trade coffee, and the list goes on.  

But gone are the days of buying green to save the planet. The green market is maturing and the name of the game is “Me first, planet later.” My guest knows this more than anyone. Jacqueline Ottman is a true pioneer in green marketing and the author of “Green Marketing: Opportunity for Innovation.” She has helped over 60 Fortune 500 companies such as IBM, 3M, and Nike – as well as the EPA’s Energy Star label find competitive advantage in this growing market.

As a green marketer myself, I have admired her from afar for years, I am thrilled to have her on Women Of Green to talk about where we are in green, and what’s to come.  

About my guest: Jacquelyn Ottman is a pioneer and expert on green marketing. For over 20 years, as the founder and president of J. Ottman Consulting, Inc., she has helped over 60 of the Fortune 500 including IBM, 3M, HSBC, and Nike, as well as the US EPA’s Energy Star® label find competitive advantage by leveraging credible green marketing and eco-innovation strategies.

A sought-after speaker at industry conferences around the globe, Ms. Ottman is the author of Green Marketing: Opportunity for Innovation.  Now in its second edition, it has been described by the American Marketing Association as the “definitive work on the subject” and has been translated into six languages. Her next book, The New Rules of Green Marketing is slated for Fall 2010.

Jacqueline’s links:

http://www.greenmarketing.com/articles/complete/beyond-green/
http://www.greenmarketing.com/articles/complete/green-marketing-really-has-gone-mainstream/
http://www.thenewrulesofgreenmarketing.com
http://www.greenmarketing.com/blog/

A Big Shout Out to Kathryn Calaby for sharing with us what it means to her to be a woman of green:

What does it mean to be a woman of green – Community, Spirituality, Wisdom and Belief. Community – having the ability to reach out to the community and become part of a community is important. A community is a space where people share experiences, find a common bond and work together to become more environmentally aware and see social change community a key – as a woman of green we can create this. Spirituality – being spiritually connected to place that we live – smelling the air, touching the earth and feeling the warmth of sunbeams – relishing but remembering to also protect the environment in which we live. Wisdom – as woman we hold so much knowledge and inner wisdom that we can share and learn from. As a woman of green we need to remember to take time to listen to each other. Belief as a woman of green we need to keep believing– we can make a change no matter how big or small every contribution counts to the environment. We all hold a patch on this planet and together we can sew all these patches together to keep our people and world together!

What about you? Share your voice in our comment box! 

Here’s your free ticket to Chicago Green Festival! If you haven’t been to a Green America Festival, you’re missing out on lots of good green fun, connections, and incredible speakers. It’s like a candy store for greenies. Here’s a link to a free ticket! The Chicago Green Festival is on May 22n’and 23rd at the Navy Pier. Why don’t you go with a friend? 

Want to be part of the ongoing conversation with other WOGs around the world?

Become a fan of Women Of Green on Facebook. 

Here are other ways to connect too.

Follow me on Twitter

My LinkedIn Profile

Women With Wings Coaching, For Women Who are Ready to Fly

Mind Over Markets, A Strategic Green Marketing Communications & Design Company

Green Marketing Blog, Effective Messaging for the Maturing Green Market