In today’s economy, most people can’t afford to throw away their careers in favor of becoming shepherds or farmers. Not immediately, anyway. But there are steps that can be taken to promote conservation and the protection of our natural resources. These steps are very basic, but can make a real difference in the life of the individual and the community if followed with conviction.

Step 1: Educate Yourself
While the most popularly searched topics revolve around celebrity gossip and porn, there is a wealth of information out there about the global energy crisis we are now entering. The energy crisis splits off into multiple sub-topics, including personal responsibility, carbon footprints, work from home careers, organic gardening, organic shopping, hypermiling, alternative energy, relocation, recession, depression, etc.

The information you need to be informed and prepared for tomorrow is out there. Only you can do the research. Only you can learn what it takes to not only survive but thrive in the days ahead.

Step 2: Specialize in Eco Friendly Business Practices
As going green becomes more popular and necessary, marketers and business professionals who hone in on eco-friendly business will become the thought leaders that everyone looks to. Set new standards for yourself and your business. Weed out unhealthy practices or clients. Position yourself to be an agent of positive change in the world, and you will be rewarded with business, profits, respect, recognition, and satisfaction. Imagine establishing one of the world’s first interactive marketing agencies that only promotes green business! If all your clients are making a positive difference in the world, your job rises above the normal realm of dollars and cents. You are now empowering change through Reputation Management, SEO, PPC, design, development, social media, and viral marketing.

Green Marketing is the bleeding edge of interactive. It is what will promote and inform a new generation of pop culture addicts. It will show the way we must all change in order to thrive on this wonderful natural resource we call Earth.

Step 3: Spread the Word
While it’s true that the information is already out there on the Web, people have to be informed enough to realize the need to research. They have to be jump started into the game. That’s where sites like TheOilDrum, LifeAftertheOilCrash, and PreserveTomorrow come into play. Do your research, but don’t stop there. Link to valuable information from your own blog, twitter account, or Digg profile. Use your own realm of influence to educate people. Take it slow if you have to, but use your favor with others to plant the seeds of information and awareness. It’s being a friend in time of need.

Allow others to form their own opinions. Point them toward one or two resources and let them read for themselves. Ask them questions and answer any questions they have. Be reasonable and avoid dogmatic, stubborn preaching. People respond more favorably to calm reason and thoughtful discussion. They appreciate getting the inside scoop, but they need to read information and develop their own opinions.

Step 4: Be a Resource
As you begin your journey towards zero carbon footprint and organic self-sufficiency, write about your journey. Use your own blog or website to tell your readers what’s going on in your own language. Perhaps you can put the situation into words that are easier to digest. You could be the middle man who makes all this information palatable and understandable for someone else. Don’t pass up this valuable opportunity. You CAN make a difference.