43+ Green Business Ideas For Eco-Friendly Entrepreneurs 2023
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 ($13.2M/year)
Terry Morrill from SUN VALLEY started Pacific Outdoor Living almost 24 years ago, a landscaping business.
- Revenue: $1,100,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 82
- Location: SUN VALLEY
It hasn't always been easy. I've had many different businesses over my life. I first started purchasing, renovating, and reselling apartment buildings. I started with a 5-unit building in Los Angeles and after selling it successfully, I purchased a completely dilapidated 66-unit building that scared me to death! But I made it through and over those first years made over one million dollars.
I rolled the dice and continued to buy, renovate, and sell until the bottom dropped out of the market. On January 17, 1994, the Northridge Earthquake devastated Southern California. During this period there was a negative migration in Los Angeles and our vacancy rates hit 40%. Being unable to support the mortgages, I lost all of my properties - over 250 units.
From 1994 to 1999, I started a company from scratch that built homes in Mexico. I sold insurance, ran an automatic door company, was the general manager for a bicycle specialty company, and sold copper pipe.
2. Start an ink refill business
Examples of a successful ink refill business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a ink refill business:
Learn more about starting an ink refill business ➜
3. Start a handmade goods business ($1.8M/year)
Samuel Davidson from Nashville, Tennessee, USA started Batch over 9 years ago, a handmade goods business.
- Revenue: $150,000/ month
- Founders: 3
- Employees: 6
- Location: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
During the summer of 2013, my co-founders (Rob Williams & Stephen Moseley) and I were discussing all the great things our hometown of Nashville had to offer, especially in the way of small-batch, handmade gifts and treats. But, there was no one-stop shop to get all of these items (you had to run around town or attend certain farmers markets or festivals).
Lo and behold, we actually hit the 200 mark our first month. The local media covered what we were doing and sales jumped to 600 for the second month and then 1,000 or month three (well beyond our original goal!).
Could we come up with a way to consolidate all of these local, small businesses making awesome products under one roof?
4. Start a backyard plant nursery ($60K/year)
Debbie Odom from Georgia started CamelliaShop almost 16 years ago, a Backyard Plant Nursery.
- Revenue: $5,000/ month
- Founders: 3
- Employees: 0
- Location: Georgia
In 1991, I had the life-changing opportunity to become a part of Gene’s Nursery, one of the oldest nurseries in Savannah Georgia.
When I had the opportunity to leave my office job and get my hands into soil, I was happy and I was hooked.
Gene’s Nursery has its roots firmly planted in our quaint historic coastal city and it’s passion was the Camellia. Camellias are ornamental shrubs that produce brilliant blossoms during the fall and winter. They are the most unique flowering shrub species found today and are considered the Queen of Ornamental shrubs.
5. Start an organic food store
Examples of a successful organic food store:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a organic food store:
- Organic Business - How to Start ?
- Market Organics a Organic Shop in Brisbane selling Organic products
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Big Book of Organic Baby Food: Baby Purées, Finger Foods, and Toddler Meals For Every Stage
- The Organic Food Guide
Learn more about starting an organic food store ➜
Hi all! My name is Andrea and I’m the founder of Golden Root. I manufacture and sell a caffeine-free Turmeric Latte Mix in Denver, CO.
Currently, I sell Golden Root online from my e-commerce site and to over 50 coffee shops nationwide. After a very eventful and strong finish to 2018, Golden Root is making an average of $4k/mo.
6. Start an eco-friendly beauty salon business
Examples of a successful eco-friendly beauty salon business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a eco-friendly beauty salon business:
- 5 Easy Ways To Become A Sustainable Beauty Salon!
- 4 Ways To Make Your Salon Eco-Friendly - Salon Growth Series
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Ecobeauty: Scrubs, Rubs, Masks, Rinses, And Bath Bombs For You And Your Friends
- Eco-Beautiful: The Ultimate Guide To Natural Beauty And Wellness
Learn more about starting an eco-friendly beauty salon business ➜
7. Start a sustainable event planning business
Examples of a successful sustainable event planning business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a sustainable event planning business:
- Go Green: How To Jump On Sustainable Event Trend
- Where To Start When Organising A Sustainable Event?
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a sustainable event planning business ➜
8. Start a greenhouses company
Examples of a successful greenhouses company:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a greenhouses company:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Growing Profits: How to Start and Operate a Backyard Nursery: Michael Harlan
- The Year-Round Solar Greenhouse: How To Design And Build A Net-Zero Energy Greenhouse
Learn more about starting a greenhouses company ➜
9. Start a secondhand products business
Examples of a successful secondhand products business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a secondhand products business:
- How To Start Refurbished Products Buying And Selling Business From Your Home
- Second Hand Products Selling Ideas In Pakistan/India
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start And Run A Profitable Secondhand Store (Self-Counsel Business Series): Richard Cropp
- Selling Online: How To Start A Home-Based Business Selling Used Books, Dvd's And More Online
Learn more about starting a secondhand products business ➜
We're taking a break for the holidays, so we bring you this favorite from the last year: Patagonia. In 1973, Yvon Chouinard started the company to make climbing gear he couldn't find elsewhere. Over decades of growth, he has implemented a unique philosophy about business, leadership and profit. PLUS for our postscript "How You Built That", we check back with Brett Johnson of Firedrops — cayenne pepper lozenges.
10. Start a solar panel installation business
Examples of a successful solar panel installation business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a solar panel installation business:
- Do It Yourself Solar Power? - Easy Diy Solar Panel Installation!
- Build Your First Solar Power System! Beginner Tutorial Easily Explained, Budget Friendly
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Photovoltaics: Design And Installation Manual: Solar Energy International
- Mobile Solar Power Made Easy!: Mobile 12 Volt Off Grid Solar System Design And Installation. Rv's, Vans, Cars And Boats! Do-It-Yourself Step By Step Instructions
Learn more about starting a solar panel installation business ➜
Hello, my name is Alex K Williams, the founding partner at Solar Energy Partners (SEP). Our focus is to provide the best customer and consultant experience in the solar industry. We provide more premium options for customers and consultants alike.
Our overall growth has skyrocketed from more than 400% growth since inception.
11. Start a reusable plastic bottles business
Examples of a successful reusable plastic bottles business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a reusable plastic bottles business:
Learn more about starting a reusable plastic bottles business ➜
12. Start a recycling business
Examples of a successful recycling business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a recycling business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start A Recycling Business Ebook: John Peyton
- How To Start A Small Aluminum Can Recycling Business: Make Money Selling Aluminum Cans: John ODonnell Rosales
Learn more about starting a recycling business ➜
13. Start an upcycling furniture business
Examples of a successful upcycling furniture business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a upcycling furniture business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Furniture Restoration And Repair For Beginners
- Refinishing Old Furniture: Start A Home Business: Mr T N Van der Walt
Learn more about starting an upcycling furniture business ➜
14. Start a bookbinding and repair service
Examples of a successful bookbinding and repair service:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a bookbinding and repair service:
- A Step-By-Step Guide To Book Repair For Beginners
- Book Repair On A Budget: Consolidating A Textblock
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a bookbinding and repair service ➜
15. Start an energy efficient lighting business
Examples of a successful energy efficient lighting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a energy efficient lighting business:
- Energy Efficient Lighting Tips For Businesses
- Energy Efficiency Lighting Program For Small Businesses
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Energy Healing (A Start Here Guide for Beginners): Ferraro
- The Essential Guide To Retail Lighting: Achieving Effective And Energy
Learn more about starting an energy efficient lighting business ➜
16. Start an eco-friendly toy business
Examples of a successful eco-friendly toy business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a eco-friendly toy business:
- 6 Eco-Friendly Business Ideas (Green Businesses For 2020)
- German Company Producing Eco-Friendly Toys
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Build A Green Small Business: Profitable Ways To Become An Ecopreneur
- The Green Business Guide: A One Stop Resource for Businesses of All Shapes and Sizes to Implement Eco-friendly Policies, Programs, and Practices
Learn more about starting an eco-friendly toy business ➜
17. Start a herbal remedy business
Examples of a successful herbal remedy business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a herbal remedy business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The How To Herb Book: Let's Remedy The Situation: Monteen Keith
- Start Your Own Herb and Herbal Products Business (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Up)
Learn more about starting a herbal remedy business ➜
18. Start a green software development business
Examples of a successful green software development business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a green software development business:
- How To Start And Run A Software Lifestyle Business - Joe Albahari
- Visit From Michael Greene, Vice President Of Software Development & Business Strategy At Intel
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a green software development business ➜
19. Start an organic gift business
Examples of a successful organic gift business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a organic gift business:
- Start Your Business In Just 35 Rupees.
- Market Organics a Organic Shop in Brisbane selling Organic products
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Home-Based Gift Basket Business, 5th (Home-Based Business Series): Shirley George Frazier
- Natural & Organic Liquid Soap Making Business Startup: Learn How to Make Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Sunscreen Lotion, Muscle Balm, Hand Sanitizers, Pet Shampoo & So Much More
Learn more about starting an organic gift business ➜
20. Start a green florist business
Examples of a successful green florist business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a green florist business:
- New Green Business In Mexico: Vegan Leather
- Revolution In A Bottle: How Terracycle Is Redefining Green Business
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start Your Own Florist Shop and Other Floral Businesses (StartUp Series)
- How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Florist and Floral Business Both Online and Off: Stephanie Beener
Learn more about starting a green florist business ➜
My name is Carlos Franco, and I am the owner and creative director at Green Fresh Florals + Plants, San Diego's premier modern flower and plant shop located in Hillcrest.
I’ve been connected to Mother Earth my entire life and became a professional florist in my early 20’s. I opened Green in its current location in July 2009. Before that, I had a shop located in the East Village neighborhood in downtown San Diego.
21. Start a green auditing and consulting business
Examples of a successful green auditing and consulting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a green auditing and consulting business:
- Eco Consulting Course Offered Will Be The Most Comprehensive Green Auditing Course Ever-Developed
- Introduction To The Ssc Green Audit Certification
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Getting Started In Consulting
- How To Build A Pharmacy Consulting Business : Your Rx for Finding Freedom and Loving Your Career: Blair Thielemier PharmD
Learn more about starting a green auditing and consulting business ➜
22. Start a garden cleaning business
Examples of a successful garden cleaning business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a garden cleaning business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a garden cleaning business ➜
23. Start an air duct cleaning business
Examples of a successful air duct cleaning business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a air duct cleaning business:
- How To Start Air Duct Cleaning Business
- Make Money With Air Duct Cleaning Machine Pro Dryer Vent Cleaning Machine Start Your Own Business
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting an air duct cleaning business ➜
24. Start a wind power development business
Examples of a successful wind power development business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a wind power development business:
- How To Generate Passive Income From Vacant Land With Wind Energy (What No One Is Talking About)
- This Entrepreneur Shares Tips To Start A Successful Renewable Energy Business In India
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Be A Power Connector: The 5+50+100 Rule For Turning Your Business Network Into Profits
- Superpower: One Man's Quest To Transform American Energy
Learn more about starting a wind power development business ➜
25. Start a geothermal development business
Examples of a successful geothermal development business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a geothermal development business:
- Geothermal Development Facility (Gdf) For Latin America
- Geothermal Development Company To Drill 30 Wells In Baringo
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Becoming A Health Coach: A Comprehensive Guide For Turning Your Passion For Health Into A Profitable Business: Heather L. Makar
- Appreneurship: Build A Mobile App Business With No Technical Background: Rahul Varshneya
Learn more about starting a geothermal development business ➜
26. Start a plant delivery business
Examples of a successful plant delivery business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a plant delivery business:
- San Diego Entrepreneurs Start Plant Delivery Business During Covid-19 Pandemic
- Plant Delivery Business Sprouts From Coronavirus Concerns
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How to Start a Flower Farm: The Complete Step-By-Step Guide: Sarah Funk
- Start Your Own Courier Business: Step-By-Step In Just 30 Days: Craig Wallin
Learn more about starting a plant delivery business ➜
27. Become a bicycle manufacturer ($12M/year)
Examples of a successful bicycle manufacturer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a bicycle manufacturer:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- From Steel to Bicycle (Start to Finish, Second)
- From Steel to Bicycle (Start to Finish, Second Series)
Learn more about starting a bicycle manufacturer ➜
Ben Sarrazin, Founder, and CEO of the Yuba Group, designer, creator, distributor of load-carrying bicycles (bikes to carry things, passengers, sports equipment, tools, pets).
Over the past 15 years, Yuba has put over 50,000 cargo bicycles on the road. That is a lot of happy families.
28. Start an environmental blogging business
Examples of a successful environmental blogging business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a environmental blogging business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How to Start a Blog Today: A Free Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide to Create a Blog in 20 minutes: Scott Chow
- How to Start a Home-based Blogging Business (Home-Based Business Series): Brett Snyder
Learn more about starting an environmental blogging business ➜
Hello! We’re Dave, Cynthia, and Michelle from Blue Oceans Green Earth. We launched the site to promote eco-friendly alternatives to plastic items. What started out as a part-time experiment became a brand in less than a year.
It wasn’t smooth sailing. Along the way, we lost our souls and almost shut them down. Having a team saved the business and we are currently aiming for $500 in monthly revenue.
29. Start an organic spa business
Examples of a successful organic spa business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a organic spa business:
- Small Business Success Story: Eden Organix Day Spa
- Start Your Own Natural & Organic Skincare Business - Step 1: Create Your Skincare
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Soap Making Business Startup: How To Start, Run & Grow A Million Dollar Success From Home!
- 100 Organic Skincare Recipes: Make Your Own Fresh And Fabulous Organic Beauty Products
Learn more about starting an organic spa business ➜
30. Start a green architecture business
Examples of a successful green architecture business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a green architecture business:
- Green Buildings Are More Than Brick And Mortar
- Start An Architecture Firm: Getting Your First Projects
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start & Run a Landscaping Business (Start & Run Business Series): Joel LaRusic
- Architect and Entrepreneur: A Field Guide to Building, Branding, and Marketing Yo (Volume 1)
Learn more about starting a green architecture business ➜
31. Start a green financial planning business
Examples of a successful green financial planning business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a green financial planning business:
- Startup Financial Model Demo
- Crop & Financial Planning For A Microgreens Business (Using Spreadsheets)
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Go-Giver, Expanded Edition: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea
- Getting To The Green: Golf, Financial Planning, And Life, Not Necessarily In That Order
Learn more about starting a green financial planning business ➜
My name is Arthur Robertson and you can call me the Investment Educator. I currently run an investment advisory firm, a food truck - Renegade Vegan, founded two non-profits - one focused on financial literacy for the youth and another on real estate while also being a Real Estate Investor.
The start-up costs were approximately $10,000 - $15,000, however; within three months, I was able to recoup those costs from serving clients.
32. Start an eco-friendly retail business ($930K/year)
Examples of a successful eco-friendly retail business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a eco-friendly retail business:
- 14 Green Business Ideas For Startup Entrepreneurs
- Awaaz Entrepreneur Ep 61- Environment Friendly Business
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start & Run a Retail Business (Start & Run Business Series)
- Build A Green Small Business: Profitable Ways To Become An Ecopreneur
Learn more about starting an eco-friendly retail business ➜
My name is Jamie Skinner and I am one of the co-founders of Jungle Culture. We are an e-commerce brand that sources eco-friendly products directly from farms, small craft workshops, and ethical factories and sells them online worldwide.
Propelled by our success and the desire to create more change, we switched our focus to eco-friendly products as a whole and created Jungle Culture, which this year turned over just over $1,000,000.
33. Start a sustainable construction materials business
Examples of a successful sustainable construction materials business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a sustainable construction materials business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Fundamentals Of Building Construction: Materials And Methods: Edward Allen
- The Visual Handbook Of Building And Remodeling
Learn more about starting a sustainable construction materials business ➜
34. Start a waste recycling business
Examples of a successful waste recycling business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a waste recycling business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start A Recycling Business Ebook: John Peyton
- Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide To Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste
Hi! My name is Dustin Maze. I am the owner of SOCO Waste, a locally owned and operated residential waste removal business based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Originally the loan provided a trailer and 5 dumpsters. We now have 51 dumpsters, two roll off dumpster delivery trucks and two residential garbage trucks. We are projecting $700-800k in sales for 2020.
35. Start a biofuel production business
Examples of a successful biofuel production business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a biofuel production business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Distillery Operations: How to Run a Small Distillery: Mr. Payton Fireman
- Your Successful Farm Business: Production, Profit, Pleasure: Joel Salatin
Learn more about starting a biofuel production business ➜
36. Start an irrigation business
Examples of a successful irrigation business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a irrigation business:
- How To Start A Irrigation Business
- 3 Ways Irrigation Guys Can Estimate (..To Start Or Grow Your Irrigation Business)
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start & Run a Landscaping Business (Start & Run Business Series): Joel LaRusic
- Turf Irrigation Manual: The Complete Guide To Turf and Landscape Irrigation Systems
Learn more about starting an irrigation business ➜
37. Start a refurbishing electronic products business
Examples of a successful refurbishing electronic products business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a refurbishing electronic products business:
- Golden Valley Nonprofit Starts Electronic Refurbishing Business
- Business Matters: Refurbished Electronics Enjoy Growing Market
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Diagnose And Fix Everything Electronic, Second Edition: Michael Geier
- Computer Recycling For Education: How To Plan, Start-Up, Implement, And
Learn more about starting a refurbishing electronic products business ➜
38. Start a carbon offsetting business
Examples of a successful carbon offsetting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a carbon offsetting business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a carbon offsetting business ➜
39. Start a reusable grocery bags business
Examples of a successful reusable grocery bags business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a reusable grocery bags business:
- How To Make Reusable Shopping Bags
- How To Make Shopping Bags That Fold Into A Pouch, Reusable Foldable Grocery Bags Pattern(2020)
Learn more about starting a reusable grocery bags business ➜
40. Start a hydroponic farm business
Examples of a successful hydroponic farm business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a hydroponic farm business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How-To Hydroponics, Fourth Edition: Keith Roberto
- Hydroponics: Everything You Need To Know To Start An Expert Diy Hydroponic System From Home
Learn more about starting a hydroponic farm business ➜
41. Start an eco-friendly fashion business
Examples of a successful eco-friendly fashion business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a eco-friendly fashion business:
- Starting My Own Clothing Brand // Eco-Friendly And Sustainable
- 15 Ways To Be A Sustainable Fashion Brand (Without Stifling Creativity)
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How to Start a Home-based Fashion Design Business (Home-Based Business Series): Angela Wolf
- How To Set Up & Run A Fashion Label: Third Edition
Learn more about starting an eco-friendly fashion business ➜
My name is Kahindo Mateene, I am the Founder and Chief Creative Director of KAHINDO, my luxury sustainable namesake fashion brand. KAHINDO is a luxury womenswear brand created with original prints and exuberant colors that celebrates the legacy of African fashion with a modern twist. A socially responsible brand, we are dedicated to ensuring ethical work practices for the women who create our brand in Africa.
For me, fashion is only as beautiful as the way I treat the female artisans and workers who help me create my line. That means focusing on sustainability and ethical work environments for my global partners and using the KAHINDO brand as a vehicle to create equity and job opportunities for women. Together, we share the heart and soul of Africa with the rest of the world through fashion.
42. Start a paper recycling business
Examples of a successful paper recycling business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a paper recycling business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start A Recycling Business Ebook: John Peyton
- Start A Creative Recycling Side Hustle: 101 Ideas For Making Money From Sustainable Crafts Consumers Crave
Hello, my name is Yuki Lee. I'm the co-founder of Bagitan Packaging Company - a company that produces paper packaging products in China. Our primary products are paper bags, food packaging, foil packaging, and other disposable packaging products used in restaurants and takeout meals.
Since our inception in 2008, we have expanded into a company with annual net revenue of $200,000 and over 50 employees. It has been an incredible experience working with my partner - Frank Ouyang, he created the company Panda Paper Roll (see the story here), and we have learned many lessons along the way. I hope our experiences will be helpful to other entrepreneurs who are looking to start their own business in China.
43. Become a computer refurbisher
Examples of a successful computer refurbisher:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a computer refurbisher:
- Transform A Damaged Laptop Into An All-In-One Desktop Pc
- Safely Setup A Used Computer - Step-By-Step Guide
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start Your Own Computer Business: Building A Successful Pc Repair And Service Business By Supporting Customers And Managing Money
- How To Start A Computer Repair Business.: Book 1 Kindle Edition
Learn more about starting a computer refurbisher ➜
My name is Lawrence O'Connor, aka 'OWC Larry.' I am the founder and CEO of OWC (Other World Computing, Inc.).
Our CAGR over the past 33yrs is 43.78% (average growth rate since inception). It was 18.4% in the most recently completed year 2019 vs 2020 with just over 148 million revenue in 2020.
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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