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The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Fix Our Two Biggest Problems Hardcover – October 7, 2008

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 143 ratings

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“Steadily—by redefining green—Jones is making sure that our planet and our people will not just survive but also thrive in a clean-energy economy.”
—Leonardo DiCaprio

A New York Times bestseller, The Green Collar Economy by award-winning human rights activist and environmental leader Van Jones delivers a much-needed economic and environmental solution to today’s two most critical problems. With a revised introduction and new afterword by the author—a man who counsels President Barack Obama on environmental policy—The Green Collar Economy and Jones have been highly praised by a multitude of leaders and legislators, including Al Gore, Senator Tom Daschle, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Van Jones was named one of “The World’s 100 Most Influential People of 2009” by Time magazine, and with The Green Collar Economy he offers a wise, necessary, and eminently achievable plan for saving the earth and rescuing working class Americans.


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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. As the "ecological crisis nears the boiling point," human rights activist and environmental leader Jones (president of the national organization Green For All) lays out a visionary, meticulous and practical explanation of the two major challenges the U.S. currently faces-massive socioeconomic inequality and imminent ecological catastrophe-and how the current third wave of environmentalism, the "investment" wave, can solve both. If industry players want to take advantage of growing consumer demand for green solutions, they'll have to follow principles of inclusiveness as well as conservation and inventiveness to create "broad opportunity and shared prosperity" for citizens at all levels of society. Rife with statistics, facts and history lessons, Jones introduces a "Green New Deal," a re-imagining of FDR's original New Deal that makes the government "a partner" (as opposed to a "nanny" or "bully") of the people, and sets about defining the principles of a "smart, supportive, reliable" partnership. Jones examines success stories from around the world (included close looks at Chicago and Milwaukee), defines government priorities at national and local levels and offers concrete solutions; one major positive step for any "significant U.S. metropolis" is to "invest massively in constructing buses, light rail cars, and mass-transit projects," creating good jobs while cutting greenhouse gases. With both caution and hope, Jones concludes that "tens of thousands of heroes at every level of human society" will be needed to carry off this third, and perhaps ultimate, green initiative.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

“[Jones] new book -- which details how an ambitious public spending program on energy efficiency and renewable energy can stimulate the economy and create good jobs for the poor and unemployed -- couldn’t have landed at a better time.” — Washington Post

“This book illustrates the link between the struggle to restore the environment and the need to revive the US economy. Van Jones demonstrates conclusively that the best solutions for the survivability of our planet are also the best solutions for everyday Americans.” — Al Gore

“Van Jones has a unique ability to inspire people of all colors, classes and generations to uplift vulnerable people, while protecting our vulnerable planet. His sparkling intelligence, powerful vision and deep empathy are all on full display in The Green-Collar Economy.” — Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives

“The baton is passed to climate advocate Van Jones who clearly sees that our future must be green and must include everyone. His powerful new book ‘The Green Collar Economy’ shows us how to accomplish it.” — Laurie David, global warming activist

“Van Jones’ authentic and passionate arguments trump the status quo. In The Green Collar Economy he holds the welfare of our neediest people front and center as he lays out a viable plan for the remainder of the 21st century.” — Tavis Smiley, Author, Television and Radio Host

“Pay attention: we are witnessing the debut of a major American voice.” — Paul Hawken, author of Blessed Unrest

“It’s rare that someone with such a gift for speaking is able to convey the energy and excitement of his message equally well in writing. With The Green Collar Economy, Van Jones surpasses all expectations. The country seriously needs his take on the environment and the economy.” — Gavin Newsom, Mayor of San Francisco

“Van Jones reminds us that the worst of times can also be the best of times -- that a nation with an abundance of resources it’s wasting -- beginning with its youth -- has an enormous opportunity to stop foolishly bankrupting itself by chasing resources it is running out of -- like oil.” — Carl Pope, Executive Director Sierra Club

“Jones accomplishes the super heroic feat of linking together the solutions for poverty, the energy crisis, and global warming. Van is a visionary of our times, and one of my personal heroes. Every relevant 21st century leader needs to read Van’s book.” — John Hope Bryant, Founder & CEO, Operation Hope

“Van’s words echo the sentiments of many indigenous communities, who have endured the effects of coal strip mining, uranium mining and mega dams. The Green Collar Economy outlines industrial society’s path towards a just future.” — Winona LaDuke, Native American and environmental activist

“Once in a very long while, a truly original voice enters our national political discussion--and changes the conversation for the better. [...]Van Jones does just that. The Green Collar Economy lets us envision a world in which the Earth and everyday people both thrive.” — Senator Tom Daschle

“In The Green Collar Economy, Van Jones turns conventional environmentalism on its head. Watch out: this book could change everything.” — Larry Brilliant, Google.org

“As the Earth warms and the oceans rise, the civil and human rights agenda must expand. No one has worked harder to level the playing field in the rapidly growing green economy than Van Jones.” — Ben Jealous, President, NAACP

“In The Green-Collar Economy, Van Jones has penned a working man’s manifesto for the solar age. When green solutions finally catch on among everyday folks, Van and this book will deserve the lion’s share of the credit.” — Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Hip Hop Caucus

“The Green Collar Economy is a both a rallying call and a road map for how we can save the planet, reduce our dependency on budget-busting fossil fuels, and bring millions of new jobs to America.” — Fred Krupp, Environmental Defense Fund President and New York Times best-selling co-author of "Earth: The Sequel"

“Van Jones represents a new generation of environmental leader – one who sees the Greening of America as both a moral imperative and a nuts and bolts economic issue. His passion, intelligence, and idealism shine through every page of this must-read book.” — Arianna Huffington

“Brother Van Jones is a visionary who spells out real solutions in black and white - and, of course, green. Van’s vision of a thriving, green economy doesn’t have throw-away things or throw-away people. It’s the kind of environmentalism everyone can get behind.” — Mario Van Peebles, actor and producer, Mario's Green House

“Jones, the head of the non-profit Green For All and the author of the new book The Green-Collar Economy, could represent the future of environmentalism in America and a way for the movement to survive and even thrive through the coming recession. — Time

“In looking at the bigger picture, Jones provides ideas for rebuilding infrastructure and creating alternative energy sources, which would have the double bonus of boosting the economy through increased employment and higher wages while decreasing our dependence on fossil fuels . . . recommended for all libraries.” — Library Journal

“Van Jones is someone who makes you feel like an underachiever, no matter if you’re a NASA scientist or a captain of industry. . . . Echoes of his ideas can be heard among lawmakers from Sacramento to Washington...” — San Francisco Chronicle

“Van Jones has made a national name for himself by finding one solution to three persistent problems: poverty, racial inequality, and the environmental crisis. He wants to solve these problems by creating green jobs filled by the poor and people of color―the groups often left behind during technological advances.” — Boston Globe

“In less than two years, Jones has risen from local grass-roots organizer to shepherd of a national movement to build an inclusive green economy... Jones is making sure that our planet and our people will not just survive but also thrive in a clean-energy economy.” — Leonardo DiCaprio in Time magazine

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0061650757
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperOne; F First Edition (October 7, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780061650758
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0061650758
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.13 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.87 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 143 ratings

About the author

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Van Jones
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Van Jones is a social entrepreneur, CNN political contributor and host of The Messy Truth with Van Jones. Famous for his heart-felt election night coverage, Jones showed up as “the voice of reason” for people in red states and blue throughout the volatile 2016 political season. In response to much civil unrest and energy post election, Jones launched the #Love Army -- a values based movement that is working for an America where everyone counts.

Jones has founded and led numerous social enterprises engaged in social and environmental justice.

These include:

The Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, which promotes criminal justice reform

Color of Change, which works for racial fairness through its over one million members

Rebuild The Dream, a 21st Century "think tank" that champions innovative solutions to fix the U.S. economy and uplift the next generation. which promotes innovative policy solutions.

The Dream Corps, an organization that brings people together to solve America's toughest problems. The Dream Corps' major initiatives are: #YesWeCode, aimed to help 100,000 young women and men from underrepresented backgrounds find success in the tech sector; #cut50, an initiative focused on making communities safer while reducing the number of people in our prisons and jails. And Green For All, which advances environmental solutions that prioritize families and workers living on the frontlines of some of the worst pollution in America.

Magic Labs Media, founded by Jones and where he currently serves as its President.

Jones is a Yale-educated attorney. He is the author of two New York Times best-selling books, The Green Collar Economy (2008) and Rebuild the Dream (2012). The second book chronicles his journey as an environmental and human rights activist to becoming a White House policy advisor.

He was the main advocate for the Green Jobs Act. Signed into law by George W. Bush in 2007, the Green Jobs Act was the first piece of federal legislation to codify the term “green jobs.” During the Obama Administration, the legislation has resulted in $500 million in national funding for green jobs training.

In 2009, Jones worked as the green jobs advisor to President Barack Obama. In this role, Jones helped to lead the inter-agency process that oversaw the multi-billion dollar investment in skills training and jobs development within the environmental and green energy sectors.

Jones has been honored with numerous awards and spotlighted on several lists of high achievers, including: the World Economic Forum’s “Young Global Leader” designation; Rolling Stone’s 2012 “12 Leaders Who Get Things Done”; TIME’s 2009 “100 Most Influential People in The World”; and the Root's 2014 "The Root 100." In 2017, Van Jones signed a management deal with Roc Nation, becoming the first political commentator & activist in their family. Jones lives in the Los Angeles area with his wife & two children.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
143 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book visionary, inspiring, and stimulating. They say it has great ideas and a well-reasoned approach. Readers also describe the writing quality as well-written, articulate, and easy to read.

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18 customers mention "Inspiration"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book visionary, inspiring, and stimulating. They say it has great ideas and a well-reasoned approach. Readers also mention the book is empowering and has great information.

"...Green Collar Economy and Mr. Jones' work in general are so visionary and empowering that some people rightfully consider this book and this kind of..." Read more

"...Packed full if great ideas for rejuvenating our failing economy which is sadly based on oil and coal, Jones offers inspiration as well as expertise..." Read more

"...This book is inspirational reading for every high school and college student who aspires to be an entrepreneur and not just an employee." Read more

"...Excellent ideas, clearly written text - not just the usual rant about how bad things are and may become - concrete ideas to accomplish the results..." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing quality"6 positive1 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book well-written, articulate, and easy to read. They also say the author is passionate, witty, and motivational.

"...Van Jones, you would probably agree that he is such a passionate, witty and motivational public speaker and story teller...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book it was an easy read...." Read more

"...Excellent ideas, clearly written text - not just the usual rant about how bad things are and may become - concrete ideas to accomplish the results..." Read more

"The subtitle says it all for this highly-readable book. Van Jones' articulate prose and common-sense approach to turning our ecomonic challenges..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2008
Green Collar Economy by Van Jones
This is the most important book I've read in the last 15 years! If I were any kind of authority, I would make every single American read the "Green Collar Economy."
So far, most book reviews that I've read do capture several of the most important messages and ideas presented in this comprehensive book, yet most of them fail to emphasize the many complexities discussed and re-examined in the Green Collar Economy. The good news is there is no secret anymore--the green economy is the only aspect of our economy that is growing, in spite of all its obstacles. My guess is that many American readers might be surprised to discover that Van Jones writes not only about the environment, waves of environmental movement, green economy, and global economy, but also masterfully includes such a broad range of topics that are deeply interconnected with our current state of world wide environmental degradation and climate change.
If you already saw or heard Van Jones, you would probably agree that he is such a passionate, witty and motivational public speaker and story teller. Yet, in my view, he is even better as a scholar who writes for people of all educational backgrounds. Green Collar Economy and Mr. Jones' work in general are so visionary and empowering that some people rightfully consider this book and this kind of community activism centered on social and environmental justice to be one of the pillars of the 21st century. Another surprise for many American readers might be the fact that Van Jones does not talk much about individual actions and solutions. The well preserved myth that all solutions are individual and that our societies are nothing more but a sum of individuals has to be challenged now more than ever. We need our government to come up with solutions, we need collective actions and global actions. Individual efforts are not unimportant, yet they will not be sufficient to win the battle against the climate change and its devastating effects. There is no coincidence that the governments of 184 countries have signed, ratified and acted upon the Kyotto Protocol. Shamefully, the U.S. is not among these countries, nor are our representatives actively participating in Poland where even more than 180 countries prepare for the next international treaty to be signed next year in Copenhagen.
Almost every responsible politician, every local environmental activist, and every concerned member of our community can find something so very profound, courageous and inspirational in the Green Collar Economy. Many of us environmental activists struggle to understand the big picture and often find ourselves unable to overcome many divisions within the movement, commonly dominated by white members. Van Jones offers his profound wisdom and viable solutions--if we are to truly embrace the green revolution and save all life on this planet, we have to achieve social justice in that process. "War time" type of mobilization that is absolutely needed now cannot happen by exclusion and repetition of our historically observed patterns of injustice. People of color and low income community members need jobs, hope and motivation, so they have to be given the new clean energy jobs first. We cannot continue to treat our planet as a space where we can indefinitely extract and drill, and dump toxic materials where predominantly communities of color and low income people live. We cannot continue to direct all beneficial effects of environmental stewardship to materially rich, white, and socially favored communities, if we want everyone to work together to solve the deepest global crisis recorded in our written history. Such a crisis cannot be resolved by any individual, group, government, or even a group of countries. Van Jones offers powerful and memorable metaphors to illustrate this point reemphasizing that we just cannot continue to fight and exploit each other when we are all in the same sinking boat. Emphasizing the idea that "humanity might not survive on the planet," and expecting people of color, and low income groups to drop everything and start working on environmental issues does not work. It does not work because these members of our community (and the world community) have been on the brink of survival on a daily basis for at least several long centuries. It does not work because so far in our class, color, and gender-divided world the major benefits of processes that we call technological progress have never gone to these disadvantaged communities. What might work is to read very slowly, carefully, and think deeply in order to find solutions similar to what is presented in the chapter about the environmental stewardship of Native Americans and other indigenous peoples of the world. In addition, if most Americans saw "When the Levees Broke," a Spike Lee film, and read the Chapter about New Orleans hit by Katrina included in this book, after reading this with a clear mind and open heart, we should make a resolution to never repeat our social cruelty and paralysis. These two chapters are truly outstanding.
Based on my educational background I would like to bring up questions of the self-destructive, human destructive, and all life destructive nature of capitalism, while also emphasizing the important role that women must play. Women's engagement becomes even more critical from the perspective of our organic connection with nature, in life-preservation, and potential for reestablishment of harmony needed on this planet. Working on our own liberation as human liberation, women and working people have a potential to better understand what is at stake and how to fight for our survival on Earth. Van Jones does not use this kind of terminology, nor provides an in-depth analysis of the current stage of capitalism and global economy. As we all know quite well, these discussions can further divide people along political views and persuasions. Instead, the author discusses in-depth how we might enable ourselves to overcome some important dividing factors in order to work together.
I am convinced that this book will mark our entire époque. My only critique is related to the lack of discussion about major reasons for U.S. absence from international efforts to combat climate change. The U.S. imperialist role in the environmental destruction overseas is not included much, either. The world only needs the U.S. to do its own share in reversing these devastating environmental impacts. The share should be proportional to what we as Americans and our governments create world-wide.
The incoming administration already has a plan for action outlined in the Green Collar Economy. If we as a society took this platform seriously and implemented it, we could as well ensure our prolonged presence on this beautiful planet. Moreover, our generations would not be ashamed when we look our children and grandchildren in the eye. If nothing more, we have a chance to live the remaining times as responsible and mature inhabitants of the world. Van Jones does not give false hopes in the most positive outcome. His hope is hope of a cautious, wise, visionary. Many might think that this book still contains utopian ideas. If these ideas and practical proposals become utopian, it will be because of the very nature of our inhumane and eco-destructive societies, not because of the author's naïve attitude. I must confess that I wept reading the last chapter and swore to myself and future generations to work alongside "Green for All" in my own limited capacity.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2010
Although Glenn Beck may have dismissed Van Jones as irrelevant, and the Obama administration may have just dismissed Van Jones, anyone who really cares about the environment and the economy cannot lightly dismiss The Green Collar Economy. Packed full if great ideas for rejuvenating our failing economy which is sadly based on oil and coal, Jones offers inspiration as well as expertise to those of us who are tired of negative comments on the feasibility of greening our economy! How about allowing the US to be #1 again by offering incentives to clean, green energy instead of subsidies to coal and oil? How about JOBS for unemployed citizens who want to contribute to saving, not destroying the planet? Read to find out how!
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Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2019
I really enjoyed this book it was an easy read. It showed many examples on how various cities are making efforts to reduce the effects of climate change as well as create green jobs in communities that need them the most. I would have liked to see a final comprehensive summary of the green collar economy showing a timeline, budget, economic benefits, and tons of CO2 or equivalent greenhouse gasses removed.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2023
fantastic book - as current today as when it was written
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2021
Interesting but unrealistic (my opinion) view on how society (our? western?) can save itself. as I said, interesting view.
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2009
Van Jones published this book at the right time. President Barack Obama has even referred to some of the things mentioned although Jones does say that there is no such thing as clean coal (in contrast to President Obama's push for it). It's not just intellectual reading; he gives an extensive list at the back for people to actually get involved and get things moving.

This book is inspirational reading for every high school and college student who aspires to be an entrepreneur and not just an employee.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2012
This book should be on the reading list for high schools and colleges nationwide - or at least in California. Excellent ideas, clearly written text - not just the usual rant about how bad things are and may become - concrete ideas to accomplish the results now, today, not some vague future time. Actually the book should be required reading for all potential and current legislators. At $6 per copy, even the Republicans could afford it.
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2012
Wonderful read. This should be required reading for public high school with mid-term and year-end rquired projects, contests and community events. New editions should be published every four years.

Top reviews from other countries

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Vo Viet Anh
3.0 out of 5 stars Support the author despite the book
Reviewed in Japan on March 31, 2009
Van Jones is a great, not his book. You have to be patient to get through his book without dropping along the way. His writing sounds like a high schooler trying his best to get through a college admission. Reading this book earns you updated information, facts & figures, not new ideas. I recall Thomas L. Friedman (New York Times)'s comment on this book: "Van Jones is not to be underestimated." I think this can be translated to "after reading this book, you would definitely underestimate Van Jones, so please don't!" Anyway, I hope you readers of this book continue to support and praise Van Jones, despite his book.
Ingeborg W.
4.0 out of 5 stars Good condition
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 4, 2020
It had a library sleeve on it but I managed to take it off. good condition and can't wait to read.
さばとらみーちゃん
2.0 out of 5 stars 地球環境問題の本ではありません
Reviewed in Japan on June 10, 2010
著者は、地球環境問題を解決するためには同時に貧困問題の解決も必要なのだと主張していますが、あまり説得力はなく、むしろ米国に昔からある貧困問題を解決するために、今流行りの地球環境問題をどう利用できるのかがこの本の内容となっています。貧困問題と地球環境問題の両方を解決するという様々な提案がなされていますが、その多くは経済性や実現性という点でナイーブな印象が否めず、また地球環境問題の解決は二の次になっています。米国の公民権運動に興味がある人が読むにはいい本かもしれません。
Marc Williams
3.0 out of 5 stars Focus more on solutions
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 16, 2019
Chapters 4 and 5 are incredible, solid pragmatic policies and programs that you could pick up and run with anywhere. I wish the author had expanded on this and not spent so much time scene setting in chapters 1-3. The book is well worth an update now it would be really interesting to see how many of the programs have fared and indeed what new initiatives have sprung up, especially in the face of the Trump / Oil and Coal industry backlash.
hhodkinson
2.0 out of 5 stars Nice Ideals, but not a number in sight
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 13, 2012
I have a strong interest in environmental issues, so I was looking forward to this book. However, this is the sort of dross that plagues the environmental movement. He tells us that by creating green jobs such as solar panels for domestic roofs, we will solve both our environmental problems and unemployment. But there isn't a number in sight. If we put a solar panel on every roof in the country, will that reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 90%, 50% or 1%? And what will that reduction cost? If that is a substantially more expensive method of greenhouse gas reduction than, say, increased levels of nuclear power or incineration, then surely that will increase each person's annual spend on energy for no reason other than renewables are socially acceptable, whereas other forms of greenhouse gas reduction are not. Sadly, none of these questions were answered.

Furthermore, the author repeatedly plugs organic food, even though organic food is actually worse for the environment than food produced by non-organic means. This is one of many instances in which he opts to base his views on gut feelings rather than rigorous scientific investigation.

The main result of this book was that it made me realise Barack Obama does not have a strong grasp of environmental issues, since he gave Van Jones a job.