Groups gather for green jobs

All are considered green jobs, more of which are needed in the Frederick area, according to a group forming to support a "green collar" workforce.

A group of people gathered at the Baker Park bell tower Saturday and asked residents to sign a petition as part of a nationwide effort to increase jobs that benefit the environment.

Karyn Folliot organized the gathering, hoping to get people involved in the effort.

"Today is the nationwide day of action," she said.

The Green For All organization promotes such jobs as a way to decrease poverty and get people on a sustainable career track.

The new green economy can support those jobs, according to the organization.

Jason Keyser has seen the benefits of green jobs first hand, working at a Pennsylvania firm that designs heating and cooling systems.

High-efficiency heating and cooling units, although more expensive up front, can lead to cost savings within three years. Geothermal systems can use the earth's natural temperature to regulate building climates.

Small employers can provide green jobs just as well as large corporations, Keyser said, and such jobs might be better supported by mom-and-pop operations despite what some see as an overuse of the color term.

"I think a lot of people are using it to get it out there," he said of the word green.

Kathryn Ruud showed up with a bunch of balloons.

The Middletown resident said the area is prime for providing green jobs because of the number of companies already using new technology.

"I would say while it's not obvious, it is growing," she said.

She said she supports the green movement in any form.

"Americans are generally innovative, open, exploratory and courageous," she said. "I think these are the things necessary to move forward."