Owning a business is a dream for many. For some, it’s also a chance to practice environmental stewardship. What can you do if you crave independence and want to strike out on your own?
These nine business ideas for eco-friendly entrepreneurs can help regardless of whether you have tons of initial capital investment or little more than a dream and desire.
What Makes a Business Eco-Friendly?
The factors that make a business eco-friendly are many and vary depending on its mission and the type of goods and services provided. However, most experts consider the three main pillars of business sustainability to be:
- Environmental responsibility
- Economic responsibility
- Social responsibility
In short, eco-friendly businesses should support people, purpose and the planet. They should advance the greater good of all while minimizing environmental disruption and protecting resources and habitats. They should also recognize the role inequality plays in climate change and empower all links in the supply chain. In practical terms, eco-friendly businesses may take actions like the following:
- Minimizing packaging, choosing sustainable packaging and choosing shipping solutions that minimize emission creation
- Directly promoting green energy, either through installing or repairing green systems and devices or facilitating their use through economic incentives
- Reducing waste and seeking innovative ways to reuse waste products to create new materials or energy
- Encouraging others to practice green living by providing eco-friendly services or consulting
9 Eco-Friendly Business Ideas
What can sustainability-minded individuals do when they want to start their own ventures? Here are nine business ideas for eco-friendly entrepreneurs.
1. Solar Installer
Aid in the transition to America’s green energy future by becoming a solar photovoltaic panel installer. Doing so requires a trade school certificate, and earning an electrician’s license also helps when practicing independently. Many who go this route begin working with an established company as technicians before purchasing a franchise.
Franchising entitles you to market your services within a defined territory. One benefit to this model is that the franchisor issues only a specified number of licenses in a given region, helping you corner your market. You can also start an independent enterprise, perhaps specializing in solar for RVs or off-grid tiny homes, although it’s harder to establish your customer base.
2. Electric Car Mechanic
Electric cars break down far less often than internal combustion engines because they require no oil and have fewer moving parts. However, all vehicles eventually need maintenance, and this emerging field is ripe for entrepreneurs. You’ll need special training in repairing these engines, which you can earn from a trade school.
Many electric car technicians work for dealerships. However, as more of these vehicles hit the road, the need for independent shops will increase. Additionally, you can offer your services to an established automotive repair center on a contract basis.
3. Green Finance Expert
Becoming a green finance expert involves consulting with top corporations, state, local and federal governments or private investors on how to best spend and invest their money to achieve desired objectives. You’ll need a bachelor’s, and preferably, a master’s degree. In this field, the more credentials you earn, the greater your authoritativeness.
4. Reseller
If you love organizing things and working with the public, consider opening a resale shop. Although this business model may require an upfront investment to lease retail space, the internet has made it possible for those with limited means to get started, too. You might partner with another retailer as a drop shipper, creating an online store and driving traffic through content creation.
5. Recycler
If you have the initial capital investment for trucks and equipment, initiating a recycling program in your town can be a lucrative business opportunity. Nearly 20 million American households have no meaningful access to recycling, meaning their aluminum, glass and cardboard contribute to landfills and methane emissions.
If your region has recycling in place, how about a curbside composting business? Organic matter creates toxic methane under landfill conditions, a greenhouse gas heavier and more deadly than carbon dioxide, but composting produces natural fertilizers people can use for gardening.
6. Sustainable Event Planner
Consider hanging out your shingle as a sustainable event planner. Unite your love of designing weddings, baby showers and graduation parties with your desire to help planet Earth by ensuring these events are more eco-friendly. You don’t need a degree or any special training, although you may need to do a few gigs for a lower fee to build your reputation.
7. Xeriscaper
Xeriscaping combines landscaping with your love of Mother Earth. It uses native plants and other landscape features like rivers and rocks to minimize water and other maintenance needs, saving energy. You don’t need a formal education, although you will need to invest in a truck and the appropriate tools. It’s perfect for outdoorsy types with a creative streak.
8. Small Organic Farmer
Got land? If your gardens produce more than your family needs, consider selling the leftovers. Contact your local farmer’s market to learn how to become a vendor, or set up a small roadside stand with your wares. Organic processes maintain soil quality and avoid putting artificial fertilizers and pesticides into neighboring water supplies.
9. Eco-Friendly House Cleaner
This business idea for eco-friendly entrepreneurs is perhaps the easiest to start. You only need a few green cleaning supplies and the willingness to do thorough work — no formal training or big initial investment. You can market your services by hanging up signs on community bulletin boards and relying on word-of-mouth once you establish your reputation.
Eco-Friendly Business Ideas
If you crave independence and take environmental responsibility seriously, consider one of these nine business ideas for eco-friendly entrepreneurs. There’s something everyone can do to create a greener tomorrow, regardless of their education or the amount of their initial investment.
