43+ Green Business Ideas For Eco-Friendly Entrepreneurs 2024
Interested in starting an eco-friendly business but not quite sure what to start?
The good news is, there are so many opportunities to become an entrepreneur and build an innovative product/service in this line of work.
If you're looking to start your own eco-friendly business, there are several low-capital options you can choose from.
We put a list together below of the most profitable sustainable business ideas you can start today!
Here they are:
1. Start a landscaping business
A landscaping business is engaged in maintaining lawns and gardens, trimming trees and shrubs, and providing landscape maintenance and beautification services. Landscaping costs vary depending on the size and location.
For small jobs such as taking care of the lawn and trees, the cost can vary from $50 to $100 per hour. The average wage of a landscape designer is $70,000 to $90,000, and a landscape architect makes around $50,000 to $100,000 per year. For basic maintenance and mowing services, a single person who runs a landscaping business can get started with as little as $5,000 or less. However, a proper landscaping business will require a large investment. The average start-up cost is between $15,000 to $20,000.
Once the type of service is decided, the list of tools and equipment can be purchased. The best way to succeed in a landscaping business is to provide quality service. This will not only retain existing clients but also promote and attract new customers.
How much you can make: $375,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
GreenPal has bootstrapped their business to over $30 million a year in revenue, after securing an unsecured line of credit for $85,000, and have built the operating system and platform for small lawncare companies to run their entire business through, becoming live in all 50 US states and having 1.2 million homeowners using the platform.
2. Start an ink refill business
An ink refill business is a service-based business that specializes in refilling empty ink cartridges for printers, copiers, and fax machines. The business entails setting up a workshop or storefront where customers can bring in their empty ink cartridges to be refilled with ink. The business can also offer delivery services for customers who cannot visit the workshop in person.
To run a successful ink refill business, it is essential to understand how different ink cartridges work and the equipment needed to refill them. It is also necessary to have a reliable source for purchasing high-quality ink at a reasonable price. Other crucial tips for running a successful ink refill business include:
- Offer competitive pricing: Set your prices lower than buying a new ink cartridge but high enough to cover your costs and make a profit.
- Build relationships with local businesses: Many businesses go through a lot of ink, so it can be beneficial to build relationships with local businesses and offer bulk discounts.
- Offer excellent customer service: Providing fast turnaround times and high-quality refills will help you retain customers and attract new ones through word of mouth.
- Stay up to date with industry trends: Keep track of new ink cartridge models and technology to ensure you can refill the latest cartridges.
- Promote your business: Use social media, local advertising, and word of mouth to promote your business and attract new customers.
3. Start a handmade goods business
A handmade craft business entails selling own-crafted products on online platforms like Alibaba, Etsy, an independent website, or social media.
To succeed in selling handmade goods, you'll need solid creative skills. Your creativity can help you build a strong brand.
And with online marketplaces, handmade shopping has become a popular trend.
In recent years, consumers worldwide have shown their support of independent businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those venturing into the handmade goods business.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
PortraitFlip is a successful startup that delivers handmade portraits globally with a clientele base in the USA and yields 3.5crs through their 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, and they started with an initial investment of only Rs.23,000.
4. Start a Backyard Plant Nursery
Do you have a gardening hobby and want to turn your passion into a profitable business with a minimum entry barrier?
Starting a backyard plant nursery is relatively easy, and the financial benefits can be rewarding. The secret to maximizing your profitability is specializing in plants that are in high demand, like vegetables and flowers.
To start, you can visit the nearby retail nurseries for seedlings and see what they stock and retail. To keep the startup cost low, consider using locally available materials.
How much you can make: $5,000/month
Camelliashop.com, a small US-based plant business specializing in Camellias and Tea Plants, increased its business 200% within one month of launching its ecommerce website in 2007.
5. Start an organic food store
Organic food stores stock fresh or processed food produced through organic farming methods. Healthy food restaurants and health-conscious individuals are some target customers regarding healthy organic food.
If you plan to start an organic food store, focus on providing the customers freshest, organically grown produce. Starting an organic food store is a great way to make money while helping the environment. Organic food stores are becoming increasingly popular, especially with people who want to eat healthily but don't have time to cook. If you're looking for a business idea that will allow you to make money and help people simultaneously, starting an organic food store could be the perfect fit for you!
Organic food stores are so popular because they offer fresh produce that has not been treated with chemicals or pesticides, which means they're much safer than the produce found at your local grocery store.
How much you can make: $4,000/month
Denver-based founder Andrea Slinde built her own organic food start-up, Golden Root, which sells trendy Turmeric Latte Mix online and now in 50 coffee shops nationwide, with an average monthly revenue of $4K, a long term objective of expanding into traditional grocery sales, and uses Shopify, Recharge, Mailchimp, Shipstation, and QuickBooks to manage e-commerce and finances.
6. Start an eco-friendly beauty salon business
Starting an eco-friendly beauty salon is a great way to provide high-quality beauty services while taking care of the environment. As the demand for eco-friendly products and services continues to grow, there is a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs to tap into this market.
To start an eco-friendly beauty salon, you will need to invest in a range of products and equipment that are designed to be environmentally friendly. This might include natural and organic beauty products, energy-efficient lighting, and reusable towels and linens. You will also need to invest in training for your staff to ensure they are knowledgeable about your products and services.
In addition to providing eco-friendly products and services, you can also focus on sustainability in other business areas. For example, you might consider using recycled or biodegradable packaging for your products and adopting environmentally friendly practices such as reducing water and energy use.
Successfully running an eco-friendly beauty salon requires a strong commitment to sustainability and a willingness to invest in environmentally friendly products and practices. With a focus on providing high-quality services and a commitment to the environment, you can build a successful and sustainable business that meets the needs of your clients and the planet.
7. Start a sustainable event planning business
A sustainable event planning business is a business that focuses on creating and organizing events that have a minimal environmental impact. This can include anything from corporate events and conferences to weddings and festivals. The key to running a successful sustainable event planning business is to focus on eco-friendly practices and sourcing environmentally-friendly products and services. This can include using recycled materials for decorations, sourcing local and organic food and drinks, and using renewable energy sources for lighting and power.
To start this type of business, it is essential to have a strong understanding of sustainability and the impact that events can have on the environment. Having strong organizational and communication skills and the ability to manage budgets and work with various vendors is also necessary.
Some tips for running a successful sustainable event planning business include:
- Research and stay up-to-date on sustainable practices and products.
- Build a network of eco-friendly vendors, including caterers, florists, and rental companies.
- Communicate the importance of sustainability to clients and partners and educate them on the benefits of eco-friendly events.
- Use social media and other marketing channels to promote the sustainability of your events and attract environmentally-conscious clients.
- Track and measure the environmental impact of your events and continually work to improve and reduce their effects.
- By focusing on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, a sustainable event planning business can create memorable events, positively impact the environment, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
8. Start a greenhouses company
A greenhouse business involves cultivating plants and vegetables in a controlled environment, typically using a greenhouse structure to regulate temperature and humidity levels. This type of business can be run on a small or large scale, with options for selling directly to consumers or wholesale to retailers or restaurants.
To run a successful greenhouse business, it is important to have a strong understanding of plant growth and care and proper greenhouse management techniques. It is also essential to have a solid business plan, including a marketing strategy to reach potential customers and a budget for expenses such as seeds, soil, and equipment.
One tip for success is to focus on growing high-demand, specialty crops that may be difficult to find locally or in season. Another key to success is continually assessing and adapting to the market’s changing needs, whether through expanding product offerings or adjusting growing methods.
Overall, a greenhouse business can be a rewarding and lucrative venture for entrepreneurs with a passion for horticulture and a desire to contribute to the local food system.
9. Start a secondhand products business
The rise of new markets in which products and resources are re-used and redistributed has opened entrepreneurs' opportunities. A second-hand business involves trading previously owned or used products within a B2C, C2C, or B2B business model.
To start a second-hand items business, identify a niche and source of your second-hand items. You can create a website and list the items on eBay or social media such as a Facebook marketplace.
How much you can make: $62,500,000/month
Discover the philosophy behind clothing brand Patagonia's success, from its start producing climbing gear to its unique approach to business and leadership, with a focus on profit.
10. Start a solar panel installation business
The solar panel installation business is a growing industry. In the past decade, solar panels have become more affordable and attractive to consumers. This has led to an increase in demand for solar panel installation services.
Solar energy is one of the most sustainable and environmentally-friendly forms of energy available today. It produces no greenhouse gas emissions or other toxic chemicals that can harm the environment or human health.
A solar panel installation business should consider investing in marketing strategies that will help them reach their target audience and sell their services effectively.
How much you can make: $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Solar Energy Partners, a solar-focused company founded by Alex K Williams, has achieved more than 400% growth since inception, and is expanding into new markets while offering best customer service and training programs.
11. Start a reusable plastic bottles business
A reusable plastic bottles business involves producing and selling reusable water bottles made from plastic material. These bottles are designed to be used multiple times, reducing the need for disposable plastic water bottles that contribute to environmental pollution.
To start this business, you must research and source high-quality plastic materials, design and manufacture the bottles, and create a marketing plan to promote your product. It is essential to create durable and attractive bottles that appeal to your target market.
To run a successful business in this line, it is essential to establish relationships with retailers and distributors to get your product on store shelves. To appeal to corporate clients, you should also consider offering customizable options, such as branding and personalization.
Be mindful of environmental concerns and adopt eco-friendly practices in your manufacturing and packaging processes. This can help to differentiate your product from competitors and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Finally, it is essential to keep up with industry trends and constantly strive to improve your product and services to remain competitive. By following these tips, you can build a successful reusable plastic bottle business.
12. Start a recycling business
The waste and recycling business offers several opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to start a company with a modest investment.
If you are passionate about caring for the environment, get into the recycling business. To start, you can ask individuals to drop recycling off at your facility or provide drop-offs in the form of dumpsters.
Before you begin business operations, register the facility with the local government and prepare the equipment. Remember, the success of your recycling business depends on the equipment you use.
13. Start an upcycling furniture business
Upcycling furniture is a business that involves taking old or discarded furniture and giving it new life through creative design and restoration. This can include repainting, reupholstering, and adding new features such as shelving or lighting.
To start an upcycling furniture business, you must have a passion for design and a knack for finding unique pieces of furniture. You will also need to have basic carpentry and upholstery skills or be willing to invest in learning these skills.
One key to success in this business is having a clear vision for each piece of furniture and communicating that vision to potential customers. You should also be able to work with a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, and fabric, and adapt to different styles and trends.
To find customers, you can start by selling your upcycled pieces on platforms such as Etsy or eBay or by setting up a booth at local craft fairs and flea markets. You can also reach out to local furniture stores or interior designers to see if they would be interested in carrying your work.
To run a successful upcycling furniture business, it’s essential to keep track of your finances and pricing and continuously seek out new sources of furniture to upcycle.
You should also stay up-to-date with current design trends and be willing to take on custom projects for clients. Finally, be sure to market your business through social media, word-of-mouth, and any other opportunities that come your way.
14. Start a bookbinding and repair service
Bookbinding and repair service is a business idea that involves providing customers with services to repair their damaged books or bind new ones. To start this business, you will need a space, such as a workshop or a studio, and the necessary tools and materials, including adhesives, fabrics, and paper. You will also need to have some knowledge of bookbinding techniques and be able to work with different types of materials, such as leather, cloth, and paper.
To operate the business successfully, you will need to market your services to potential customers and be able to handle a variety of repair and binding projects. You will also need to be able to handle customer inquiries and orders promptly and professionally. It may be helpful to offer additional services, such as custom bookbinding or restoration of antique books, to expand your customer base and increase your profits.
For a bookbinding and repair service business success, it is essential to have strong attention to detail and a passion for books. With dedication and hard work, you can build a thriving business that helps preserve and restore valuable books for customers.
15. Start an energy efficient lighting business
16. Start an eco-friendly toy business
The toy industry is one of the most plastic-intensive industries globally. People who appreciate the need to be environmentally friendly are switching to sustainable toy options.
A sustainable toy features renewable, natural materials like wood, fabric, rubber, or bamboo.
Sustainable and eco-friendly toys are in high demand across the globe as they promote environmental conservation goals.
Identify a supplier and stock your shop if you want to start an eco-friendly toy business. Be sure to partner with environment-conscious manufacturers. Alternatively, you can start the production of sustainable toys and sell them at wholesale or retail prices.
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
17. Start a herbal remedy business
18. Start a green software development business
19. Start an organic gift business
20. Start a green florist business
Flowers are timeless and have been used for centuries on all occasions to express emotion and sympathy. Running a green florist business can be a highly profitable endeavor. If you are Passionate about running a florist, consider training to gain any qualifications or experience needed to start and run a successful green florist business.
How much you can make: $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Green Fresh Florals + Plants owner and creative director Carlos Franco explains how he built a unique, authentic, and profitable modern flower and plant shop in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood, growing from one employee to a $120k per month business through customer service, a focus on design, and a deep love for his craft.
21. Start a green auditing and consulting business
22. Start a garden cleaning business
If you want to start a gardening-related business, you may consider providing garden cleanups to residential and commercial customers. Your role will be to provide garden cleanups to prevent pests, weed seed, and diseases and prepares the garden for fun activities while providing a clean slate for perennial and vegetables to grow.
23. Start an air duct cleaning business
Air duct cleaning improves indoor air quality by reducing allergens and irritants. Homeowners and commercial property owners request air duct cleaning services regularly. With the increasing number of homeowners and commercial offices, the demand for HVAC services will keep growing.
Starting an air duct cleaning business can be profitable if you understand how HVAC units work. To start an air duct cleaning business, you need a relevant course to acquire the skills needed to service the HVAC systems.
24. Start a wind power development business
25. Start a geothermal development business
26. Start a plant delivery business
27. Become a bicycle manufacturer
The global bicycle market will reach a CAGR of 8.2% in the next decade. Leisure needs, government initiatives, and increasing health consciousness among all ages are reasons bicycles have become a popular transportation method. Experts expect that that industry will continue growing at a significant rate globally.
Starting a bicycle manufacturing business can be rewarding and profitable. To start a bicycle business, consider your target market and research the competition. Narrow down the niche, create a website, and market your business.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 1230 days (?)
Yuba Group has pioneered the field of an entirely new segment in the cargo bicycle industry, with a 15-year-old company that has put over 50,000 cargo bicycles on the road, becoming a $15M company.
28. Start an environmental blogging business
Do you have passion for green environment? Starting an environment blog where you educate others about importance of taking care of the environment can be a rewarding idea undertaking. You can monetize the blog or add an affiliate link where you promote greener solutions and earn a commission from the sales.
How much you can make: $200/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Blue Oceans Green Earth, an eco-friendly affiliate marketing site promoting alternatives to plastic, shares the challenges they faced in building brand awareness and how rebranding and a team of VAs saved the business, with plans to balance revenue channels soon.
29. Start an organic spa business
How much you can make: $30,000/month
Case study of Alma Curry's successful business, Meridian Spa, generating impressive annual revenue of £350K with a profit of £198-200K, reaching 2.82M total impressions in the last 12 months through effective marketing strategies like PPC, FB Meta ads, and SEO.
30. Start a green architecture business
Green architecture is the philosophy of architecture that advocates using sustainable energy sources, energy conservation, and re-use of building materials.
Green architecture offers a host of benefits to homeowners. First, green architecture provides homeowners with a huge amount of saving in terms of energy bills. The property owner also enjoys good temperature regulation since roofs and insulation feature green technology.
The benefits of green architecture technology have contributed immensely to the popularity of this building technology. Therefore, starting a green architecture firm can be a great advantage today.
31. Start a green financial planning business
A green financial planning business involves helping clients align their financial goals with their values, including environmental and social responsibility.
The financial planning business can involve various services, such as investment advice, budgeting, and retirement planning, focusing on sustainable and responsible options. To start a green financial planning business, you must be licensed as a financial planner and obtain additional certifications, such as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.
You will also need to establish a business structure, obtain necessary licenses or permits, and set up a system for managing client relationships. To operate your business, you must market your services to potential clients, build a network of referral sources, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in sustainable investing and financial planning.
How much you can make: $10,000/month
Third Eye Advisors is a boutique Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) providing customized financial planning and investment solutions to millennial business owners, founded by Arthur Robertson with start-up costs of approximately $10,000 to $15,000, recouping those costs within three months of serving clients, while the team is currently expanding and looking for Financial Advisors to come on board in Q4 2020.
32. Start an eco-friendly retail business
How much you can make: $6,000 — $240,096/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Jungle Culture, an e-commerce brand that sells eco-friendly products, started with just one product and turned over just over $1,000,000 in a year by sourcing products directly from farms, small craft workshops, and ethical factories and selling them online worldwide.
33. Start a sustainable construction materials business
According to statistics, the green building materials market is growing at a CAGR of 8.8%. The key factor driving the market growth is the increasing demand for energy-efficient structures, which created a market for environment-friendly and energy-conserving materials used in residential construction.
Therefore, starting a sustainable construction materials business can be a profitable venture.
34. Start a waste recycling business
If you have a passion for saving the planet and going green, starting a waste recycling business may be the right route for you to take. Waste recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be trashed and processing them into new products.
Starting a waste recycling business is not only profitable, but it can also benefit the community and the environment. To start a waste recycling business, research the industry and determine the costs involved. Then, register the business and equip your waste recycling facility.
How much you can make: $230,000 — $37,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study showcases the story of a locally owned and operated residential waste removal business based in Colorado Springs started with a pick-up truck and a $35k loan, which now has 51 dumpsters, two roll-off dumpster delivery trucks, two residential garbage trucks, and is projecting $700-800k in sales for 2020.
35. Start a biofuel production business
36. Start an irrigation business
37. Start a refurbishing electronic products business
Electronics refurbishing business repairs damaged or malfunctioning equipment such as televisions, stereos, computers, phones, and gaming devices.
If you have the necessary electronics repair skills, you can start a computer or electronic repair business, where you repair and resell the electronic equipment.
Although electronics is a saturated marketplace, you can build a successful business with the right approach.
The target market for an electronics refurbishing business mostly includes the low and middle-level income population with lower spending power.
38. Start a carbon offsetting business
How long does it take to build: 608 days (?)
39. Start a reusable grocery bags business
40. Start a hydroponic farm business
A hydroponic farm is a modern method of growing crops that uses only small amounts of soil, with all other nutrients needed to be provided in liquid form.
The production of hydroponic crops takes place indoors, generally under artificial lighting and protected by some form of physical covering or insulated blanket to retain the appropriate, close-to-nature temperature and humidity levels necessary to ensure healthy plant growth. This type of farming saves a lot of time and energy.
Hydroponic farming is very profitable, and farmland the size of an acre will yield between $200,000 and $250,000 each year, while traditional farmland gives you between $20,000 and $30,000.
41. Start an eco-friendly fashion business
How much you can make: $5,000 — $17,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
KAHINDO is a sustainable women's luxury fashion brand that celebrates African fashion and promotes ethical work practices, with annual sales of $60k and wholesale clients like Rent The Runway.
42. Start a paper recycling business
According to statistics, the demand for recycled paper is increasing at a CAGR of more than 7% in developing counties.
The high machinery cost and inefficient collection of waste paper are reasons behind the growing demand.
As a result, the primary focus of the local paper recyclers is the establishment of proper collection and segregation systems to facilitate waste paper collection. Therefore, starting a paper recycling business can be profitable.
How much you can make: $16,000/month
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
Bagitan Packaging in China started out as a thermography paper roll business and has since expanded to become leaders in the packaging industry with annual net revenue of $200,000 and over 50 employees, thanks to digital marketing and a focus on SEO.
43. Become a computer refurbisher
Computer refurbishing is the process of restoring used computers to working conditions. Refurbishers typically purchase used computers from individuals or businesses, and then they clean them up, install new parts, and test them to make sure they are in good working condition.
To start this business, you'll need skills in data recovery, hardware repair, and software troubleshooting. It is a perfect idea for those who have an interest in technology and a knack for repairing electronics.
With the ever-growing popularity of laptops, tablets, and smartphones, there is a great demand for refurbished computers. And with data science and data analytics, you can easily identify which computers are in high demand and how to best refurbish them.
Starting this type of business is a great idea for those with an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for technology. If you can navigate the regulations, this can be a lucrative business with a lot of growth potential.
How much you can make: $13,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
OWC Larry, founder and CEO of Other World Computing, shares how he started his business at a young age with just a credit card, now experiencing a solid year-over-year growth with a CAGR of 43.78% over the past 33 years.
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- 4,818 founder case studies
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- 8,628 business ideas
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
