These days, the environment is a hot topic. Former Vice President Al Gore shot the spotlight on Planet Earth with his award-winning documentary on global warming, “An Inconvenient Truth”. Celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt quickly followed suit, launching eco-friendly initiatives and campaigns to help save the planet.

The newest member of the “Green Team” is none other than performer Justin Timberlake. He has gained some major eco-points with the July 25th opening of his new golf course in Memphis, TN, which is touted as being the “greenest” golfing destination in the U.S. Timberlake’s Mirimichi Golf Course is the first project in the U.S. to receive the Audubon International’s Classic Sanctuary certification. The course features an irrigation system that makes use of rainwater, natural landscaping, and electric golf carts powered by solar panels.

The good news is that these types of renovation projects are not unique. Many other businesses are starting their own eco-conscious plans to minimize their impact on the environment. Since our nation is shifting to greener priorities, major plans are underway to change the way our companies operate. For instance, more fuel-efficient and electric cars are being built, businesses are emphasizing recycling as a cost-effective and consumer-pleasing strategy, and solar energy seems to be the wave of the future.

So, what does this mean for the average American? Government awareness and new legislation for the environment also signals the start of more eco-friendly jobs! If you’re looking to break into this field, you should know that green jobs are much more than working for a recycling company or an alternative energy manufacturer. Green jobs can be found in almost any industry, from construction to plumbing to architecture.

If these jobs don’t interest you, there are plenty of other industries out there that cater to the environment. Thanks to the thriving green industry, many eco-friendly positions have opened up in many traditional fields. This also means that general skills from non-green jobs can be transferred to greener pastures.

In fact, the development of cost-efficient and energy-saving buildings is predicted to soar to $60 billion by next year. A lot of money is going towards saving the planet! Check out the facts: the US climate bill, which was recently passed by the House of Representatives, will require utilities to generate 15 percent of their power from renewable energy sources. While the future of the bill is up to the Senate, if passed, it will mean many more green job openings!

If you’re interested in learning about additional green job opportunities and finding more career resources, check out The Green Building Council’s web site to learn more.