Traditional manufacturing involves a linear process model – inputs to outputs, also known as Cradle to Grave. 

Green manufacturing's process model is more circular where parts from outdated or broken models are reused/recycled becoming inputs – popularly known as Cradle to Cradle.  Products include both green and traditional goods as long as they are sustainably manufactured.

See Chapter 10 of Green Careers For Dummies for additional information about this sector.

Material Science - Materials Sciences, also described as Materials Sciences & Engineering, is the study of the properties and performance of different materials. These studies have a broad range of applications in industry, including designing new materials specifically tailored to innovative products and manufacturing processes, testing and improving existing ones, analyzing cost-benefits in the materials' production, and determining weaknesses or causes of failure in a given application. Detailed Material Science Industry Profile Available (link below)

Industrial Ecology- Industrial Ecology offers insight into how we can use natural ecosystems as models for improving our design of industries, processes, products and services, including materials procurement, production, delivery, usage and disposal.      Detailed Industrial Ecology Industry Profile Available (link below)

Green Manufacturing - Green manufacturing is a method of production that reduces waste and pollution. These goals are addressed through product and process design, including scrutiny of the materials, components and systems that will be used for the product's manufacture. The objective is a product that, during its entire life cycle, will damage the environment as little as possible, will not be harmful to the people using it or the employees involved in its production, will not,during manufacture or usage consume more energy and natural resources than necessary, and, whenever possible, is biologically degradable or can be reused. Detailed Green Manufacturing Industry Profile Available (link below)

Supply/Distribution Logistics - A significant aspect of Manufacturing is Supply Chain Management. This means assessing how raw and processed materials and components are delivered to the manufacturing facility, and how the end product is delivered to the consumer. Whether charged with moving goods by road, rail, water and air, the logistics specialists must focus on maximizing efficiency and effectiveness of the transport while minimizing energy use, environmental impact, and cost.     Detailed Supply / Distribution Logistics Industry Profile Available (link below)

Waste Management - The Waste industry is multifaceted, including solid, waste, hazardous waste, recycling, and resource recovery. Detailed Waste Management Industry Profile Available (link below)

Printing and Publishing - If you are interested in the publishing or printing industries, familiarize yourself with the relevant issues in this industry profile. Green Printing and Publishing actually covers several industry sectors; Newspaper Publishers, Book Publishers, Book Sellers, Printers, and Paper/Pulp Manufacturers. Careers associated with these industry sectors will be the same careers as in non-green companies. The difference is in the measures the companies take to reduce their environmental impact on endangered forests, climate change, and people being displaced by destruction of the forests they live/work in/near. Detailed Green Printing and Publishing Industry Profile Available (link below)

Natural Personal Care/Cleaning Products - The Natural Personal Care and Cleaning industry consists of an array of eco-friendly and non-toxic personal care products used for personal hygiene, health, and cleaning. It includes products such as deodorant, toothpaste, face wash, moisturizer, shampoo, cosmetics, soap, supplements, and nail care. Due to the quest of consumers to live a more sustainable and organic lifestyle, there is a growing demand for healthier and safer personal care products.  Sales of personal care products labeled natural, organic or certified organic are expected to grow more than 50% to over $10 billion over the next five years. Detailed Natural Personal Care/Cleaning Industry Profile Available (link below) Interview with Owner of Natural Body Care Products Company Available (link below)