Only six states had more than 100,000 green jobs reported, the report showed. California had the most with 338,400 jobs, with New York a distant second with 248,500. The rest include Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio. This doesn’t necessarily make them the greenest job markets, though: since they’re also among the largest states, the numbers are understandable.

In terms of how much of the total jobs were classified as green, Vermont led the pack with a ratio of 4.4 percent. Following close were D.C. and Idaho with 3.9 and 3.7 percent respectively. Other top rankers include Maryland, Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, and Pennsylvania, all of which had ratios above 3 percent.

An analysis from The Atlantic magazine suggests that the green job market depends largely upon income and education. States with a higher median income and whose population has a large percentage of college graduates tend to have more green jobs. An even stronger correlation was found between green jobs and knowledge-based and creative economies—states with a large market for research, recreation, and the arts. Subsequently, states where unskilled workers are numerous have much fewer green-collar employment options.

What the numbers could mean is that more green jobs might come along, but will not necessarily open up opportunities for lower-skilled workers, nor will it make much of a difference in industrialized states. It might have something to do with the financial crisis as staying afloat overtakes environmental thrusts in the private sector, but as the economy stabilizes over the next few years, more green collar jobs may open up for a wider range of workers.

Ecotourism jobs span a broad range of fields, including business, management, finance, science, arts and communication, and the social sciences. Indeed, there are ways to apply just about any skill in the quest to save the planet. Sites like Treehugger.com (owned by the Discovery network) offer comprehensive job boards in ecotourism and other “green collar” jobs.

Perhaps the most direct way to get into ecotourism is to specialize in the sciences. Chemistry, biology, and environmental science are all in high demand among green companies. Graduates from these fields can make a living doing research for private and public agencies, helping them find ways to preserve endangered sites and maintain wildlife populations.

If you’re more attracted to hospitality jobs, ecotourism also offers ample opportunities. With the right training, you can work for hotels, restaurants, airlines, and other travel firms with an environmental thrust. You can also occupy information desks and help people plan sustainable vacations. If you love to travel, this field may be your best bet. A degree in tourism or management can come in handy.

Management and business professionals often end up at the helm of operations, or even running the outfit themselves. If you work well with a team and are able to make smart decisions, you can launch and head your own ecotourism projects, promoting local sites or traveling to other destinations. If your skills lie more on the creative side, you can go into environmental journalism, public relations, or marketing, where communication skills and a bit of creative flair are valuable.

Ecotourism is a broad discipline, and its rapid growth over the years is proof that it’s here to stay. And that’s a good thing, because it opens doors for people who would otherwise enter an already crowded job market. Whether you’re just starting or looking to change career paths, you’re sure to find a wealth of opportunities in ecotourism. As an added perk, you get to travel, meet interesting people, and make the world a better place while you’re at it.

MAP International: This Georgia-based group provides community and health development services in over 115 countries, and works with hundreds of smaller organizations to promote its cause. They provide free medicine, push for cleaner water supply, and focus on eliminating disease by fighting its root cause.

Globus Relief: What sets this charity apart is that aims to cooperate rather than compete with its peers. Globus Relief works with other charities to better distribute healthcare resources and make financial resources reach more people. It currently runs over 12,000 projects in over 100 countries, and has given out more than $200 million in health products.

Direct Relief International: California’s biggest humanitarian non-profit, Direct Relief provides healthcare assistance to poverty- and disaster-stricken communities in the U.S. and abroad. Since its opening in 1948, the group has donated $1.6 billion in material resources and consistently led the pack in responding to health emergencies.

Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta: The goal of this group is simple: to help other non-profits and charities flourish. It encourages philanthropy among individuals and businesses, allowing them to use their skills and knowledge to help the community. They also help promote organizational training to make sure local charities are properly run.

Forgotten Harvest: Waste and hunger are the two main issues for this 21-year-old organization. They address them by taking surplus food from groceries, restaurants, and other establishments and giving them away to soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters, where they would otherwise just go to waste. The group “rescues” more than 19 million pounds of Health Department-approved food every year.

American Endowment Foundation: This group helps potential donors find the best ways to use their money. They offer advice on how people contribute, whether in money or assets, and help them decide which charities to support. Although their service is geared towards corporate donors, individuals can pick up a thing or two on giving to charity and getting the most out of their money.

Doing your part doesn’t mean packing your bags and flying to Ethiopia (though you can if you want to). Many charities have offices outside the continent that allow people to help in their own way, either through donations or remote work such as administration, fundraising and marketing. It all depends on what you have to offer and where your skills and resources are needed the most. If you have excellent people skills, you can help promote the cause and solicit donations, or perhaps help African immigrants. If you’re trained in healthcare, you can assist in research or work in a local clinic.

World Vision and the Salvation Army are among the biggest names in charity, but some lesser-known ones are also worth a look. These include The Change Exchange, which provides educational support to children, and the Chinansi Foundation, which works in HIV/AIDS research, environmental management, health, education, and food security. In a way, smaller organizations make your money go further because they spend less on overhead costs such as travel and paperwork, which means more of the donations actually reach people in need.

If you have the time and resources, you can even spend some time in Africa and do some hands-on work. Some experience may be necessary for certain tasks, such as administering medicine or teaching young students. But if you’re new to the field, you can help in other ways, even if it’s just delivering goods or helping locals with housework. You may have to pay for your own trip and spring for travel insurance, but as any volunteer will tell you, the experience is more than worth it.

It’s easy to think that one person’s time or money won’t make much of a difference. But like most other things, change is collective: it’s the work of millions of people rather than a select few. Whether you’re carrying water jars or heading a high-profile research team, helping out a charity in Africa is a step in the right direction.

Most major international charities have a strong presence in LA, but there are also small outfits catering to various communities. While not all of them need help throughout the year, it won’t hurt to offer an extra hand if you have some free time. Start by looking up causes you’re interested in, and calling up relevant charities in your area. Find out what kind of work they do and how you can pitch in, depending on your skills and experience.

Some types of volunteer work don’t require any particular experience. These are usually menial tasks like sorting clothes or serving food at a soup kitchen. If you want to take on more responsibility, you can look into administrative, managerial, or marketing positions. You may need to be more experienced and undergo some form of training. The same goes for research, although you may get a recommendation from your school or company. Front-line work, such as manning information booths, may also call for previous work in the field.

If you’re just visiting or don’t want to commit to charity work just yet, consider helping out at seasonal events. Los Angeles hosts music festivals, art shows, and other cultural events throughout the year, and many will be more than happy to take you on board. You can help usher attendees or set up stages, or if you have the skills, you can help organize and promote the event. Most of them are supported by the government and provide excellent professional experience.

One advantage to doing volunteer work is that you get to meet people who share your interests. Many first-timers start out with just a passing interest and end up working with volunteer Los Angeles groups as a career. Some use it as a springboard for other career paths, such as medicine, education, or research. Others just do it for the company. No matter what your reason is, you’re sure to touch other people’s lives just as they’ve touched yours.

The top charities are often the most recognizable. The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and the Red Cross are popular examples. But there are smaller ones that may only be known in your city, but are just as meaningful. Large charities reach a greater number of people, and working for them may open up more opportunities to help. It also ensures that your money will go where it’s needed the most. If you want to see immediate change, however, you’ll want to go with a smaller outfit, such as a soup kitchen or tutoring service.

The key is to choose a cause you feel strongly about. Find your general area of interest. Are you particularly attracted to children or animals, or do you feel strongly about protecting the environment? This will narrow down your options and help you focus your money and efforts better. It’s a good feeling knowing that you’ve gone beyond caring and taken concrete action.

You’ll also need to weed out the bad charities. It’s a pretty strong term—charity is charity, after all—but some are more efficient than others. You want to donate to a group that puts most or all of your money into the cause. However, the large majority of charities take some of their overhead costs from donations as well. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it might pay to look into the matter.

In the U.S., charity watchdogs such as GuideStar and the American Institute of Philanthropy monitor charity activities and make sure they do their job. According to the AIP, the top charities allocate no more than 15% of donations to administrative, marketing, and fundraising efforts. Those that put 40% or more into these departments aren’t highly ranked. If you’re concerned about your donations not being tax-deductible, check out Publication 78, a federal document listing all the charities whose donations will earn you a tax cut.

Methods of donation are also worth looking into. While most websites accept donations by credit card, remember that card issuers often take a small percentage from the transaction. Checks and money orders are usually the best way to go, although some groups would rather pay the credit card fee and get their funds immediately. Each organization has its own needs, so it’s best to talk to them personally and learn how you can help.

Food banks and similar organizations are probably the simplest way to lend a hand. Everyone needs food, but not everyone can afford it—and helping out in a food bank or soup kitchen is a way to bridge that gap. You can help out by doing actual kitchen work, serving food, cleaning tables, or supervising operations, whatever you’re best able to do. These are often pretty busy places, so they’re sure to appreciate a helping hand.

If you like the outdoors, an environmental group may be the best fit. Contrary to popular opinion, it’s not just about planting trees and cleaning the beaches—although you can do that if you’re up to it. Most groups also need a hand in organizing events, writing copy, designing brochures, gathering data, and helping to spread the word by gathering new members. It’s a pretty broad field, and pretty much any skill will come in handy. Think of what you can do best and you’ll get quite a few community service ideas.

A closely related cause is animal rights. Most major cities have animal shelters that take care of lost or abandoned animals. You don’t need to be a vet or have any relevant experience to be able to help; at the very least, you can help feed the animals or give them the occasional walk, or even do some administrative work. Of course, if you want to work in the field in the future, it’s also a great way to gain experience.

Human rights and welfare groups may be a good fit for those who have good people skills or simply like to be around others. Tasks may include offering moral support to abuse victims, tutoring children, or assisting doctors and nurses in public clinics. Again, there’s a wide range to choose from. Even a day of volunteering can make a world of difference in someone’s life. Whatever you end up doing, community service is always time well spent.

Working as a soup kitchen volunteer isn’t as groundbreaking as delivering vaccines to African children, nor is it as professionally rewarding. But its appeal lies in helping people in the most basic of ways—giving them food and water where they would otherwise go hungry. It may not seem obvious, but even in the United States—the world’s epitome of wealth and excess—more than 30 million people go hungry every day. The sheer dedication of volunteers, in soup kitchens and elsewhere, is what keeps these people going and gives them a chance at rebuilding their lives.

Soup is usually served because it’s easy to make in large batches, and because it can take a large variety of ingredients according to the season. Most soup kitchens also serve bread, and are even called “bread lines” in some areas. The meals can be served for free or at a low price, and ingredients are often sourced from local food banks. Soup kitchens are most active during the winter holiday season, where more people are seeking shelter and warm food.

Volunteers for soup kitchens usually come from local organizations, such as anti-poverty groups or churches. If you’re already part of such a group, ask around to see if they’re affiliated with soup kitchens or food banks. Otherwise, you can contact soup kitchens themselves and ask how you can volunteer. It’s a lot of work, so they’re usually happy to have a helping hand. Your tasks may include basic kitchen work and cleaning, but you may be expected to serve food and help usher people around as well.

It may not be the most glamorous of pastimes, but becoming a soup kitchen volunteer can be one of the most rewarding ways to spend your free time. Besides helping your community, you also get to meet interesting people and gain valuable life experience. Next time you have a day or two to spare, spend a few hours in a soup kitchen and help brighten someone else’s day.

Child sponsorship works in different ways. Some work through individual sponsorships in which donations are channeled to specific programs in education, health, or shelter, depending on the child’s needs. Others are project sponsorships, which combine several people’s donations to fund a group of initiatives in a certain community, making life a little better for all the children. Many groups work in both ways and will let you choose what kind of sponsorship you want to do.

In most cases, when you sign up to sponsor African child you are allowed to choose your child from a set of photographs and biographies. This helps you get to know your beneficiary better and form a bond even before you send in your first donation. Some people feel an instant connection to a child when they see them; others are touched upon reading their stories. Either way, it’s your means of making sure your money goes to someone who needs it the most.

Once you’ve started the sponsorship, you will be given regular updates on how the child is doing. The group may show you pictures, medical records, and school report cards to show that your beneficiary is getting the most of your donations. You may even receive handwritten letters from the child himself, or from one of his siblings or parents if they are too young to write. This is one of the most touching aspects of child sponsorship—hearing from the little boy or girl whose life you made possible, and feeling their gratitude through words and pictures.

The sponsorship group may also get in touch with you during holidays so you can send a gift, card, or both to your child. Some will even provide special stationery so all you have to do is write your message and send it in. Of course, nothing’s stopping you from sending something independently, whether or not there’s an occasion.

However you decide to help, the mere decision to help a young African is no small feat. You don’t have to transform an entire community to make a difference. Sometimes, just giving someone a hand can turn their lives around—and to think it costs little more than a fancy cup of coffee.

Nursing volunteers are part of the solution to this problem. Nurses, whether active, retired, or in training, can offer hands-on assistance in impoverished clinics and help them provide better, more efficient service. Some nurses go into volunteer work while taking a break in their career, as it gives them a change of environment while allowing them to continue practicing. It’s a great way to gather experience, gain new skills, meet new people, and develop a whole new appreciation for your field.

Some organizations don’t require you to have a nursing license or a certain amount of experience, although these are always useful. As long as you have the skills and a desire to learn, you can join a nursing volunteer abroad program. Of course, positions with more responsibility will require more skills, so you may have to start with simple tasks and learn on the job. Each organization has its own rules, however, so look for one where your training and experience will be most valuable.

Most volunteer nurses help by spending one-on-one time with patients and their families, offering moral and emotional support, and assisting with movement, feeding, and personal hygiene. They are usually supervised by a charge nurse or head nurse, and may have to do a few administrative tasks such as keeping patient files and taking shifts at reception desks.

Your tasks as a nursing volunteer can vary throughout the day and week, and plans are often interrupted by emergency situations. Often, these require cooperation from several doctors and nurses. This is why resourcefulness, teamwork, and the ability to think on your feet are essential to performing well as a volunteer nurse.

You can volunteer as a nurse for as little as a week or over a year. Most organizations, however, recommend staying for at least a couple of weeks to get a real feel of how a volunteer-run clinic works. Many nurses end up working for charities after spending time as volunteers, inspired by the ability to help those in need. No matter what your decision is, the time you spend as a nursing volunteer abroad is always time well spent.