Good sustainability practice is one of the many factors that modern consumers consider before they buy a product or support a business. That’s why companies today are clamoring to initiate a sustainable business operation and demonstrate their commitment to caring for the environment in their ESG reports.
However, changing their business models and images to one that prioritizes the environment is not easy to achieve for long-established companies. This is a fact that emerging eco-minded entrepreneurs can take advantage of to gain profitable opportunities, while also catering to the increasing demand for environmentally friendly products and services.
If you are one of the budding entrepreneurs looking to start an eco-friendly business, here are some ideas that you can pursue.
Sell Organic Personal and Skincare Items
There is a growing demand for organic and naturally grown wellness products among consumers. This is the result of rising health consciousness and concerns related to environmental sustainability.
This is a viable industry to dive into if you’re an eco-minded entrepreneur who also has an interest in personal care and beauty products. You can do so by introducing cosmetics and other self-care products made from sustainably sourced materials within your community or region.
Not only will this venture cater to the call for eco-friendly wellness items, but it will also open opportunities to give back to your community by using locally grown ingredients and providing livelihoods to those in need.
Consider a Composting Business
About 1.3 billion tonnes of food produced worldwide are thrown away every year. This waste then releases millions of metric tons of carbon dioxide and methane when it ends up in landfills, which contributes to harmful emissions that pollute the air.
One way people can resolve this issue is by turning their food scraps into compost. Composting is essentially recycling biodegradable materials to prevent them from reaching overfilled landfills.
However, not everyone can start their compost at home. That’s where you, an eco-friendly entrepreneur, come in.
Starting a compost business provides people with an easier and more efficient way to recycle their biodegradable scraps. Doing so also elevates the issue of excess carbon and methane emissions as it prevents food waste from going into landfills.
Be a Solar Equipment Manufacturer/Installer
Homes and businesses are growing more inclined to use renewable energy like solar power as they adopt a more sustainable lifestyle and business operations. You can help them achieve this goal while also gaining profits by launching a solar manufacturing and/or installation business.
Absorbing solar energy and converting it to electricity requires special equipment that you can design, manufacture, and sell to private individuals and companies.
Note that you would need to have some technical knowledge and experience with mechanical engineering and electrical installation to venture properly into this business.
Repair and Refurbish Old Furniture
Like food waste, a lot of furniture ends up in landfills once owners deem them broken and unusable. But that is not always the case since some pieces can still be salvaged.
If you have a knack for fixing broken items or have a background in basic carpentry, then this green business idea would be suitable for you. You can break down old pieces of furniture and use the materials to create new pieces, or restore worn-out ones to make them look new.
It may take some time before this business picks up but with enough dedication and the growing demand for sustainable furniture brands, yours will fare well in the long run.
Develop Green Apps/Software
Applications and software can make people’s lives easier, so why not make one that aims to assist them to achieve their environmental goals? You can create one that helps them find or create eco-friendly activities and initiatives for themselves or their organizations.
Location finder for recycling centers, tips on best environmental practices, and even games that highlight sustainability are just some functions that you can put on your green app or software.
Creating an app or software also uses little to no waste, since it is done digitally and does not require materials. The only thing you would use for this venture that may impact the environment is electricity, considering that most of your work will be done on a computer.
Run a Beekeeping Business
Bees play a critical role in the environment; they pollinate plants to ensure the survival of various flora species as well as secure the availability and diversity of fresh produce for humans and other animals.
However, the number of these pollinators is falling due to a variety of factors. Some of these are the constant use of pesticides, drought, habitat destruction, nutrition deficit, air pollution, and global warming.
You can help ensure the survival of bees by becoming a beekeeper — a job that you can easily do even in your backyard. This business also produces different products such as honey and beeswax that you can supply to the groceries or supermarkets in your community.
Become an Eco-consultant
Since many businesses are starting to make their business models more sustainable, someone needs to be there to teach and guide them on how to do so properly. The same goes for individuals who want to shift to a greener lifestyle.
If you have deep knowledge of sustainability for businesses and living skills, then being an eco-consultant might be the ideal path for you. This venture allows you to grow financially by sharing your expertise and offering sustainable solutions for homes, offices, and organizations.
You can help businesses create and implement eco-friendly strategies for their business operations and reduce their carbon footprint. This business can also have you advising private individuals to reduce their energy consumption and reduce their waste production.
Final Thoughts
It’s never too late to go into any kind of venture, but now is probably the best time to do so if you want to run an enterprise that focuses on sustainability. Starting an eco-friendly business today allows you to cater to a growing market that values environmental consciousness and green practices.
That’s because businesses that adopt sustainable or environmentally friendly ideals meet the criteria that modern consumers look for in companies, thereby positioning themselves to grow their market share and establish a loyal following among their consumers both in the present and future.
