Photo by Toa Heftiba on UnsplashMost people think of eco-friendly business as something corporates do for their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. Starting something in an eco-friendly business space need not be expensive or extensive. In fact, it is small businesses and start-ups that do exceptionally well in the green or eco-friendly area. Many companies have had to source their products and materials from ecologically sound sources, with many consumers demanding environmentally friendly products.
Businesses starting with an eco-friendly idea, like Circular & Co with their Circular Product Design and reusable coffee cups, have seen unprecedented growth and acceptance by new customers. It is possible to start businesses with eco-friendly ideas. Eco-conscious companies with offerings, products, and services that focus on organic and reusable products are gaining large market shares, making a profit, and contributing positively to the environment.
What are Eco-Friendly Businesses?
Eco-friendly and green businesses use sustainable materials in their companies either as selling points or in their operations. For example, a company that sells services where products are procured and made without harming the environment can be considered eco-friendly. Eco-friendly business ventures typically aim to reduce their carbon footprint, use less electricity, water, and natural resources.
If it is not possible to cut emissions wholly and use fewer resources, these businesses contribute towards climate change differently, but in an overall beneficial manner. For instance, if there is waste generated, it is recycled and reused to produce something else.
Let us look at some eco-friendly ideas that can help you start your new business.
Sustainable Construction Materials
There is a lot of scope in the construction and real estate sectors to use sustainable and reusable products. For projects like repair of infrastructure, outside facades, and real estate landscaping, it is straightforward to use reusable products that are ecologically sourced. Doing this makes the property an eco-safe property, and construction companies and contractors can also save a lot of money in the long term.
It is helpful to pitch ideas surrounding sustainable construction materials to commercial property builders since they can also get grants and tax write-offs from the government.
Green Finance
Most accountants and finance professionals feel they can never start their own businesses. Apart from accounting firms, they can now invest and start businesses in Green Finance. Green finance helps support local farmers, community-level projects, and sustainable agricultural ventures.
Green finance also pays extra attention to educational reforms, ecological artistic endeavours, and power and organic farming projects. Green Finance should not be confused with charitable trusts. Instead, Green Finance focuses on for-profit businesses that support the environment and promote sustainable living.
Organic Catering
Bakers, chefs, and home cooks need not fret any longer. There is now a way for eco-friendly foodies to also contribute towards eco-friendly business ventures. Organic catering companies are in massive demand by customers who prefer eating only organically sourced and prepared foods. Ingredients that are locally sourced also help reduce the carbon footprint by saving on transportation and fuel consumption.
With all the chemical and pesticide warnings prevalent, most people are choosing to eat organic foods without any added chemicals. Locally-grown ingredients without added pesticides, free-range meats, vegan, and gluten-free options are included as organic catering forms. It is also an excellent option to avoid using plastic packaging and cutlery and instead focus on paper plates, hard cutlery, and cardboard straws.
Eco-friendly Beauty Salon
There is no reason why salons and hair care cannot be eco-friendly. Many entrepreneurs entering the beauty industry want to source ecological products that do not possess chemicals harmful if used continuously.
With a steady increase in vegan, cruelty-free, and organic beauty products, salons can now use all-natural shampoos, conditioners, and polishes. This new trend is excellent for people wishing to start sustainable and eco-conscious salons.
Upcycling Furniture Resale
Upcycling furniture is a highly lucrative business. Not only is it fantastic for the ecology, but it is also a fantastic money-making venture. You can easily purchase old, pre-loved furniture and flip it with sanding, priming, a fresh coat of paint, and some new fittings to get a brand-new-looking living room furniture piece.
Old wooden tables, chairs, cupboards, drawer shelves, and kitchen cupboards are great pieces to start with and sell. Apart from the high profits, reusing old furniture and repurposing or refurbishing it also helps decrease the amounts going into landfills. Together with reusing old furniture, opt for climate positive and carbon negative furniture solutions such as an Effy office standing desk.
With so many innovative ideas, it is possible to start an eco-friendly business and save the earth. Many companies that start slow tend to pick up much faster with a bit of word of mouth publicity and quality control. Staying focused and being particular about the sourcing will help develop your business as an eco-friendly brand.