Sometimes it seems like inventors, engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs, and the rich folks who can afford solar panels and hybrid cars, are the only ones behind the green industry. But the booming industry is building a workforce of many who would otherwise be without jobs.

The $341 billion green industry has potential to provide a plethora of jobs in our not-so-great economy. The people installing solar panels or performing ecological restoration may have surprising backgrounds – prison records, drug addictions and welfare support. But now they're getting skills they need and the industry can use, according to a recent article by USA Today.

Richmond and Oakland, California, and Chicago are leaders in this sort of training and job placement, thanks to progressive initiatives from the city and federal government.

It's a glimpse at the other side of the green industry that we rarely focus on. In addition to protecting the environment, giving people hope and jobs is another added bonus to going green.