Building a local movement toward a green economy

ST. PAUL - More than 150 people, ranging from elected officials to neighborhood activists, business leaders and union members, filled the Carpenters hall recently for a breakfast roundtable on "blue-green" issues.

Convened by the Minnesota Blue-Green Alliance, it was one of a series of events building a coalition for a new economy – one based on sound environmental principles and good-paying jobs.

Linking jobs and the environment is "an enormously important and motivating concept for people all over the country," said Dave Foster, former district director of the United Steelworkers who leads the national Blue-Green Alliance.

Van Jones, director of the organization, Green for All, outlined the changes taking place and the challenges they present.

The United States is moving from "a pollution-based economy" that has left many people behind to an "inclusive, green economy," he said. While technology is driving many of the changes, people need to act to make sure the new economy provides good-paying jobs accessible to all.

Already, local communities are moving ahead to create green job opportunities, in cities ranging from Chicago to Oakland to Richmond, Va., Jones said. Some of the best organizing is happening in low-income communities, where many workers – in particular young people of color – can benefit.