Q: Not specifically about the prework, but I do have a question about career planning -- one of the panelists mentioned yesterday that there are not enough jobs in sustainability for the people who want to work in this field. How can we work to create more opportunities for others? Is starting our own business the only way? Is it even possible to start my own business with very little experience?

A: First, there are many opportunities to do this work -- it may be in a formal position with a title or responsibilities that list "sustainability" or "green" or "environmental". However, there also are many, many people who have made a role that isn't formally a sustainability one into one that incorporates it. Green America and others have termed it "Greening Your Job"

For example, asking to establish a recycling committee, or organizing a volunteer day to plant trees, or being the representative from your office on a task force considering some aspect of sustainability. And it's possible that this could provide the foundation later on to move into a role that more formally incorporates sustainability.

Second, there are also many positions that are adapting to the growing call for "green" -- see this recent article from Career One Stop, a program from the US Department of Labor

There also are many positions opening in the renewables sector -- see this recent New York Times article

Third, starting your own business is an option. It may be valuable to begin as a small project on the side and grow it slowly, given the current economic climate, while being employed in a full-time position to pay your bills. As a first step, most local governments have an Economic Development office, which can point you towards free resources relative to starting a company. It's important to do your homework in advance as starting a company is a big step. Prior to making any business decisions, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual circumstances. Good luck and thank you for your enthusiasm and dedication to our field!

 

Q: Those are impressive career paths. How were you successfully able to navigate finding non-linear opportunities in changes in your career?

A: I think what was important for me was understanding what I was able to take away from each job and how it added to my personal narrative. No job is a waste if you are able to take something away from it that you can add to your toolkit – the challenge is how do you weave that into a compelling narrative when you are talking about your career arc. For instance, my time in Germany doing research helped me develop cross-cultural engagement skills and network that I have been able to apply in my current position when I am trying to develop relationships with leading smart city programs in Europe. Or my time developing workshops and knowledge exchanges while at GMF have allowed me to help facilitate understanding of complex concepts to community members in Charlotte, NC. I think it’s also important to continually assess where you are in your career path and where you have deficiencies – do you need more experience managing budgets? Do you want more experience in project management? Community engagement? Then you can look for jobs that provide you with those skillsets, which can sometimes be content agnostic. For me it was important that my positions exist within an urban space because that is what I am most passionate about. But within that urban space, I’ve dealt with energy transition, waste, public spaces, landscape design, construction documents, etc.

Q: Can you provide some tips for increasing stakeholder buy-in for circular economy initiatives?

A: Where I have found success for increasing stakeholder buy-in is when I have sat down and tried to understand what that specific audience is looking for and how can I adapt my “pitch” to that perspective. A lot of times when I have discussed circular economy, my focus has not been on the environmental component, but more so on the economic impact – job creation, a new economic revenue stream, etc. How can you make this a win-win for everyone you want to have involved? In Charlotte I was able to get the City and City Manager on board looking at it from a job creation and innovation driver, we got communities on board because we talked about the job opportunities and that we would work to create training programs that hire hard to employ or under-skilled individuals in certain targeted neighborhoods, we got environmental advocates on board because this was a new perspective to help them achieve their goals of reducing waste and improving air quality.

Q: I would love to hear more about Emily's experience starting her own consultancy!

A; It’s a grind, but I think I could only do it after I have been working in the professional space for so many years. A key reason I was able to start was because of the expansive network I had been able to develop – so I was able to connect with folks in this space who could provide guidance, folks who could connect me to opportunities, and folks who gave me opportunities because they knew me and my quality of work. I would also say that if you start your company and you are reaching out to folks, be *very clear* about what your ask or need is. Don’t waste their valuable time just to chat because that might mean the next time you reach out they won’t be as inclined to help you.

Q: My Zero Waste team and the campus culinary (including catering) are currently discussing ways to streamline the process and make the on campus culinary program more efficient with their resources. One item they're compiling is a green events guide, what tips do you have for hosting "green events"?

A: I don’t have much expertise in this space, but if I were looking to develop guidance for hosting green events, I would look up other organizations (more likely in Europe since they’ve been doing this for a while) and copy things that they have done. I would also work to develop a relationship with a composting company and a company that distributes green cutlery and dishes, and then incentivize folks to use them to help host zero waste events. BlueCity in Rotterdam hosts zero waste events – I don’t know if they have information available, but perhaps that could be a place to start.

Q: what advice would you offer in terms of types of jobs that students should pursue right after college?

A: I think most important is to find a job that excites you and is a space where you can learn. It’s not going to be your forever job and there is a solid chance your career will go in a different direction than what you plan. So, if you can learn and be excited, I think that’s a win.
 

Q: How do we encourage governmental officials to take action on behalf of a city/townships or even national residents? Climate change starts with them but they don't take action.

A: Local governments are full of public servants that want to do right by their constituents so local advocates are incredibly powerful at the local level because they can make these issues personal. Using social media to start these conversations can be extremely effective. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out not only to leadership, but tap into the subject matter experts. These individuals are extremely passionate, and can be great emissaries to affect positive change!

Q: I have a BS in Environmental Biology... Can I get into this field through the right experience or do I need to go back to school?

A: My personal belief is that college is to get you your first job. After that, it’s up to you! Many of the best and strongest policy folks in our agency are those individuals with subject matter expertise in science, technology, and design. However, it’s likely that if you enter the field without the advanced degree, you may spend the same amount of years that you would have been in school, learning on the job. This is a good idea for many as you start earning a paycheck instead of accumulating additional college debt.

Q: Is the DC Green Bank available to non-DC residents to open a personal account?

A: The first rule of green banks is that they are not a bank. It’s clearly confusing, but they are a financial institution whose key mission is to use a limited amount of public funding to leverage private capital and accelerate investment for clean energy and energy efficiency projects. Green banks make loans and support other financial products, but they do not take deposits and typically don’t have the same structures or protections as consumer banks. The DC Green Bank has additional restrictions per its enabling legislation where it cannot be the main loan holder for projects outside of the District.

Q: How do you recommend getting one's resume/application to stand out at large companies where it will likely be screened out electronically like ICF? (For example, I have contacts there whom I have reached out to though ICF is so large they don't know any of the hiring managers in that sector.)

A: My first recommendation is to always include a cover letter, and make it personal. Talk about why you are the best fit for the position and use specific examples about your experience. Second, when applying for positions online (as opposed to submitting a resume to a specific person or hiring manager) be sure to edit your resume to include key words that were included in the position description. Many of the large companies and local governments have resume screening systems that look for those key words and it is important to get past the initial screening process. Finally, it’s always best to find an advocate. If you have a contact at a company you’re looking to get hired at, reach out and express your interest in the position. It may not help, but never hurts!
 

Q: Can we mail you things so you can thrift them?

A: Sure, we always encourage folks to look for reuse opportunities in their own communities, but if there isn't a way to reuse locally (yet!), we can also take donations by mail and will be delighted to find new homes for your unused treasures.

Q: What's your advice for people who want to reuse things but aren't into arts & crafts? Donate them to place/organizations that are like ACR? Thank-you.

A: Great question - at ACR, we focus on creative materials, but there are lots of organizations doing similar reuse work with other types of materials. It may take some effort to find a good fit, but hopefully, you'll agree it's worth it. We encourage folks to donate/shop reuse locally, but for some specialized materials, you may have to look further afield. Do your research and ask questions if it's not clear where the materials ultimately end up. Personally, I'm also a big fan of my local Buy Nothing Group (https://buynothingproject.org/) which may also be a good place to look.

Q: Hi, I am a recent graduate and looking for opportunities to build mentoring relationships -- I'd love to hear anyone's success stories or advice on this!

A: Remember that a great mentor doesn't only have to come from your field (or the field where you want to end up). Sometimes your best advice and new ideas can come from someone with a completely different perspective or set of experiences. I suggest casting a wide net and when you meet someone you connect with, consider them as a potential mentor even if they're outside of your professional circle. Good luck!

Q: How did you get started in your current work? What was your spark for applying the arts on environmental issues?

A: I've worked my entire career in the environmental field (as a scientist, then lawyer, now non-profit director), but I came to ACR when I was looking for an opportunity to join a non-profit board. I am not an artist (or even very creative), but I value the arts, and this was a unique opportunity for me to apply my specific skills to support the arts in my community.
 

Q: Hi I am a student at Colgate University studying Environmental Science. What are some examples of organizations that are diverting a stream of money into alternative energy industries and regional recycling (private sector)?

A: Generate Capital is a private equity firm based in San Francisco that invested $5 million in microgrids at six K-12 schools in Salinas, CA. They structured the deal so that the school district would spend the same amount per kilowatt-hour, Generate Capital would receive a nice return on investment, and six schools received solar, batteries, inverters and wireless thermostat controls. This combination of technologies allows the systems to shift loads so the schools can buy electricity when it’s cheaper and use stored electricity when it’s more expensive.

Ecologic is a company in Manteca, California, that recycles paper and plastic into new consumer packaging. The molded fiber outer shell is made from 70% recycled corrugated cardboard and 30% newspaper. The inner liner is made from either #2 plastic, #4 plastic, or bioplastic. Their bottles are used to package wine, food, pet care, home care, and personal care products. This is an example of a company, not a regional recycling network.

I would like to see more materials recycled on a regional basis. We have been shipping recyclable materials to China for so long that we have let many of our domestic recycling industries atrophy for decades. Now that China is rejecting recyclables from the US, we have the opportunity to invest in our own recycling industries. The Closed Loop Infrastructure Fund, put together by a collection of large consumer product companies, is giving loans and grants in the US to fund recycling infrastructure. It’s not nearly enough funding to create robust recycling infrastructure but it’s a start. More public-private partnerships will be needed to build out an infrastructure that can handle the wastes the residential and commercial sectors generate.

Q: How do we encourage governments to perform what you identified as the Vital Roles for government?

A: Government serves three vital roles in encouraging green job creation: setting goals, developing ordinances, and levying and disbursing externality fees. Writing our elected representatives and encouraging them to enact legislation and ordinances is how we encourage them. Based on conversations I’ve had with staff for my congressional representative, state senator, state assembly member, and city council, they appreciate you doing your homework. If you can describe the solution you propose, show that it’s already been implemented successfully elsewhere, explain who your allies are, talk about who might oppose it and why, explain who your proposal could negatively affect, and elaborate on how it could be funded, you will have a better chance of them wanting to take your idea and run with it.

Q: Would the Green New Deal be an effective way to stream money to sustainable industries?

A: The proposals I’ve seen for the Green New Deal involve the federal government printing money to pay for green job creation. This seemed unlikely to happen until the pandemic started, millions of people lost their jobs, and 17 million people filled for unemployment in the past few weeks. Now that Congress is talking about another round of stimulus funding which could be used for public works projects, this is the perfect time to contact your elected representatives at the federal and state level and suggest they create millions of new green jobs.

This pandemic has created a huge shock to our population and our economy. It has shone a light on how vulnerable our health care system is and how many people don’t have health insurance. We have seen how unprepared we are for big shocks. There will be more in the future. Now is the time to build more resilient systems (energy, transportation, supply chains, food) that can bounce back more easily from shocks like wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, not to mention future pandemics. In the process of building more resilient systems, the people who will do this work will enjoy a sense of meaning and purpose.
 

Q: How do we encourage governmental officials to take action on behalf of a city/townships or even national residents? Climate change starts with them but they don't take action.

A: Not easy. Ideally run for office yourself or find others who are progressive/have good climate ideas/solutions and support them as candidates. The bigger changes we need will likely need new elected officials leading the charge.

Q: What are the most sought out skills that you're looking for recent graduates (from undergrad)?

A: Strong writing skills and attention to detail plus relevant experience in the field through projects, internships, etc. Unfortunately, I'd say at least 90% of our applicants aren't the strongest when it comes to written communication and/or attention to detail.

Q: I have a BS in Environmental Biology... Can I get into this field through the right experience or do I need to go back to school?

A: I don't know the answer to that but you can probably get an idea by looking up people on LinkedIn in positions that you'd eventually like to be in and seeing how many have graduate degrees. If nearly everyone does, then you probably need a master's degree. If only half or even 2/3s have graduate degrees than that shows that it is definitely possible/feasible. I wouldn't go back to grad school unless you are genuinely excited about it since it takes a lot of time/costs a lot of money and may not be worth it.

Q: How do you recommend getting one's resume/application to stand out at large companies where it will likely be screened out electronically like ICF? (For example, I have contacts there whom I have reached out to though ICF is so large they don't know any of the hiring managers in that sector.)

A: No magic solution on this but honestly I'd focus on a strong cover letter where you reference specific ICF projects/published reports that you admire and why you are excited/interested in them and how you'd like to be part of different teams at ICF that work on those type of projects and what kind of skills/background you'd bring that could contribute to a positive outcome for ICF and the client.
 

Q: My Zero Waste team and the campus culinary (including catering) are currently discussing ways to streamline the process and make the on campus culinary program more efficient with their resources. One item they're compiling is a green events guide, what tips do you have for hosting "green events"?

A: ideas for green events: vegan food only, ideally local, ideally organic. no disposables for food and beverages, separate remaining waste, aim for zero waste; no printouts; no short-term banners or flyers; create something you can use longer term such as a flyer for 2 years or a banner for longer; don't provide parking; offer discounts for people coming with their bike or bus or walk; avoid speakers coming by car or even plane, have people dial-in. Think about an outdoor gathering, can be a nice change. I have organized tons of events, none of which were 100% green. This is a process. Happy to discuss further.

Q: What advice would you offer in terms of types of jobs that students should pursue right after college?

A: I think it's great if they can work as staffer for a policy maker for a while, or work with AmeriCorps or ClimateCorps.

Q: I'm curious to know what, in panelists' experience, are the most common skills that nonprofits are looking for and need most commonly? (And sorry for all the questions, I know we won't be able to get to them in the live stream but I wanted to add these in case they can be addressed later!)

A: Understanding of the subject matter and politics involved, ability to write, ability to speak, ability to work, take on responsibilities and be proactive.

Q: In the nonprofit sector, is the traditional pathway to start out as an intern rather than a full-time position?

A: yes, internships are very common, but this is not a requirement and I am not a big fan of this approach. especially unpaid internships are highly unsocial.
 

Q: I love TerraCycle and have used it before!! is the recycled material cheaper for companies to use/manufacture as opposed to their normal materials?

A: TerraCycle's recycling program doesn't ask companies to change the material of their packaging but rather offers a solution to recycle the material. TerraCycle then finds end markets for the recycled material, which is available for the brands to use in innovative ways as well.

Q: Does Terracycle have a collection program for Tetra Pak types of cartons? Few places accept them beyond some urban centers. I have looked at Terracycle and have not seen a collection option for these.

A: TerraCycle does recycle Tetra Pak. You can find a Zero Waste Box on our website for this waste stream. Currently I don't believe there is a brand-sponsored national recycling program for free collection, but we are adding new programs all the time so, once there is a brand interested in such a program, it would be launched.

Q: Hello! I am an environmental science major at American University. I am wondering how we can become more involved with Loop and get the word out. Are outside coupons accepted? Also, are you looking for any brand ambassadors or interns?

A: We don't currently work with student ambassadors, though you are welcome to share Loop to any of your social platform and it would be much appreciated. For internships, please apply via LinkedIn or the TerraCycle website.

Q: How are you going to reduce the consumer's product costs? I heard it cost around $20-30 to buy regular goods.

A: Product prices are generally comparable to current prices, though some may be at a premium to begin with. Over time, as Loop begins to scale and there are more operational efficiencies, product price will be able to go down. In addition to the product prices, each product has a deposit that a consumer puts down for the use of the packaging and receives a full refund upon returning the packaging. This allows us to collect the packaging back for reuse at no extra cost to the consumer.