green-collar

[ green-kol-er ]

adjective

1. noting or relating to workers, jobs, or businesses that are involved in protecting the environment or solving environmental problems:

   green-collar careers in renewable energy and other technologies.

2. noting or relating to actions that negatively affect the environment:

   green-collar crime such as illegal logging.

noun

1. a green-collar worker.

green-collar

adjective

1. of, relating to, or designating workers involved in environmental protection, or employed by companies that have protection of the environment as a stated aim

Word History and Origins

Origin of green-collar¹

First recorded in 1990–95; green (in the sense “environmentally sound or beneficial”), on the model of blue-collar ( def ), blue-collar ( def )

Example Sentences

Young people in community organizations will soon be paid $15 an hour to become stewards of the land, which Gregory says prepares them for careers in green-collar jobs such as forest ecology and landscaping.

From Seattle Times

The Welsh Conservatives' energy spokeswoman Janet Finch-Saunders said Wales' natural resources provide the opportunity to help stimulate the economy with the creation of "long-term green-collar jobs".

From BBC

“Today’s announcement is a historic step forward in Maine’s effort to embrace renewable energy, create good paying green-collar jobs, diversify and expand our economy, and combat the threat of climate change,” Democratic Gov. Janet Mills said.

From Washington Times

In his 2011 mayoral report, Johnson said his policies promised to deliver to the city 14,000 "green-collar" jobs by 2025.

From Science Magazine

The legislation would establish a grant program to support public outreach programs, improve quality and access to education for green-collar jobs, and build capacity so local communities can address climate mitigation and adaptation issues.

From The Guardian