Green Collar Jobs have become an emblem of a more sustainable economy and society that preserves the environment and at the same time protecting it. This is more equitable and inclusive of all people and levels that are sustainable. However, many jobs which are green in principle but not green in practice due to the environmental damage caused by inappropriate practices. The notion of a green job is thus, not absolute, but there are shades of green and the notion will evolve over time. What really is green and sustainable? It is meeting the needs of the current generation without impairing the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Its maximizing renewable resources, minimizing depletion of non-renewable resources and looking at the full-cycle of “cradle to cradle” of all we use, encompassing care for the environment, economic viability and social interaction, among others.

Water conservation and reuse, energy efficiency and waste management, “green revolution”, organic foods, green spaces that contribute air quality, tree planting, green architecture, solar panels, wind turbines, mini-hydro, massive measures on marine environment preservation, etc. which promote growth of investments and businesses, jobs, scholarships, that puts together high, medium and low-income sectors of society within one vibrant community. The road to a sustainable and green development is long and winding. Responsible living is trying to understand our planet’s delicate and endangered ecological balance, finding efforts to take care of the environment and preserving it, and thus meeting the challenge to make the world a better place to live in.

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There are readers of our column who inquired about seafarers and their works onboard merchant marine ships. Some asked about the salary of a captain with a worldwide trade. There are captains who are receiving high salaries depending upon the company and type of vessel they are working for. The average salary of a Filipino captain of an overseas vessel is US $ 8,000.00 more or less every month. It’s a great help in stabilizing our economy and in reducing poverty. We should help others who are interested and deserving to be a seafarer. The United Filipino Seafarers Federation helped thousands of seafarers to have jobs onboard ships with worldwide trade.

Tidbits:

Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. v. Laurente,G.R. No. 158883, April 19, 2006