If you’ve always wanted to start a business but you aren’t sure which sector to enter, going into the
green field could be a perfect option. People are more eco-conscious than ever, and governments
around the world are getting serious about curbing carbon emissions. They are doing so through a
combination of regulation and incentives, and these incentives could benefit you depending on the
type of business you want to start. Here are some great sustainable business ideas for aspiring green
entrepreneurs.
Metal recycling is one of the easiest eco-friendly businesses you can start. You can start with nothing
but a vehicle, or you can operate a space where you will store metal being brought in by recyclers.
You can decide to resell this metal as is to a third party or refine it and sell it in bars.
The amount of money and effort you'll need to put into your business will vary depending on the
model you pick. If you want to work as an independent recycler, then you might want to invest in a
branded vehicle and will have to spend money on advertising. If you decide to operate your own
plant, you'll need to start looking at the costs for a location and look for a liability insurance quote
since accidents are very common in that field, especially if you allow recyclers to unload their cargo
themselves.
Ink cartridges are not only expensive but have a very bad effect on the environment. It's estimated
that about 375 million ink cartridges end up in our landfills every single year, and cartridge
companies are doing everything they can to force people to throw away their cartridges as fast as
possible. You could help reduce the waste by starting an ink refill business and making a lot of
money as well. People are looking for ways to save on cartridges, so you won't only reach the eco-
friendly crowd. This is another business you can get into on a shoestring budget.
People are starting to realize how much waste is being generated by the fast fashion industry. This is
why thrifting is beginning to grow in popularity, and why this is a great option for you as an
entrepreneur. Opening a thrift shop is pretty easy too. Pick a spot in the right place and you may not
have to send a dollar on marketing. You could set up donation boxes so you can get merchandise
from the public or go hunting for hidden gems at places like Goodwill and Salvation Army.
Know that you can also start an online thrift store if you want to. You could start an official store or
sell thrift items on Etsy. Or you could have both an online and offline store if you want to maximize
your profit and reach.
All of these ideas could be great if you want to start a business that will allow you to make money
while saving the planet. Learn about them in detail and consider other business ideas that would
allow you to capitalize on the new green trend.
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The WorkFlow podcast is hosted by Steve Glaveski with a mission to help you unlock your potential to do more great work in far less time, whether you're working as part of a team or flying solo, and to set you up for a richer life.
To help you avoid stepping into these all too common pitfalls, we’ve reflected on our five years as an organization working on corporate innovation programs across the globe, and have prepared 100 DOs and DON’Ts.
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