Do you want to start a green business? Our business experts have explored and researched in detail and listed down a list of profitable green business ideas that you can start with low investment.
Going green and becoming environmentally friendly is now more than a trend and has become a necessity to develop a sustainable environment. People must be more aware of environmental issues and themselves.
Also, more and more investment opportunities are evolving in this sector. Green businesses are growing faster than almost any other industry vertical of the economy in almost all countries in the world.
List of 52 Green and Ec0-Friendly Business Ideas
#1. E-Waste Recycling
E-waste recycling is a global environmental issue in recent phenomena. By starting an e-waste recycling business one can make money out of helping the environment toxic-free. The objective to start an e-waste recycling company is to create an opportunity to transfer e-waste into socially and industrially beneficial raw materials like valuable metals, plastics, glass, etc. by using simple cost-effective technology.
#2. Solar Energy Installation
Start a company that installs solar panels on residential and commercial premises. Assist clients in making the switch to renewable energy sources and lowering their carbon impact.
#3. Organic Food Delivery Service
Launch a delivery business that offers organic and locally sourced products, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and making nutritious food more accessible.
#4. Start an Online Eco-Friendly Business
If you are looking to do an eco-friendly business from home, consider trying an online business. These green businesses are ideal for students looking to start a green business. Some of the profitable online businesses are listed below:
- Create a Blog
- Launch a YouTube Channel
- Create an online store selling eco-friendly products
#5. Energy-Efficient Home Products
Create and market energy-saving home items that can help consumers in reducing electricity and utility bills. Some of the products you can consider are LED lighting, smart thermostats, and water-saving gadgets.
#6. Green Cleaning Services
Clean homes and businesses in an environmentally friendly manner, utilizing non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning chemicals. Maintain high cleaning standards while lowering environmental effects.
#7. Cartridge Ink Refilling Business
Printer cartridges are one of the biggest sources of landfills in modern days. One can start an ink cartridge refilling business with little money. This business not only brings good profit but also helps in developing a sustainable environment.
#8. Green Consulting Services
Eco-consultant provides services to get lower electricity bills, cut water bills, improve indoor air quality, set up recycling programs for offices, reduce waste, avoid using harmful toxic chemicals, and much more. Whether you are looking for some part-time income or a full-time career, eco-consulting can be a profitable business.
The green training program includes everything you will need to perform both Green Home Audits and Green Business Audits.
#9. Open a Green Beauty Salon
Opening an eco-friendly beauty salon can be an innovative green business. More and more customers are looking for chemical-free products for their skin and hair care. Also, it is not difficult to source organic and vegan beauty products as they are easily available in marketplaces.
#10. Open a Second-Hand Shop
A second-hand shop not only provides customers with less-expensive products but also helps in making our environment greener. There is a wide range of products that can be sold from your shop like used books, furniture, clothes, etc.
#11. Eco-tourism
Eco-tourism is traveling and visiting new unexplored places that protect the environment and also look after the welfare of the local people residing in that area. This business suits nature lovers who also love adventure travel. The ecotourism business industry makes up nearly 6% of the GDP all over the world.
#12. Fish Farming
Fish farming business opportunity demands special knowledge, skills, and day-to-day careful monitoring. Commercial fish farming has proven to be an economically successful business venture throughout the globe. Fish is a healthy, protein-rich, and tasty food with low cholesterol and calories. The requirement of fish is one of the main components of animal protein in a diet computed at 11 kilograms per year per person.
#13. Florist
A Florist business opportunity demands a lot of dedication, hard work, a flair for creativity, and a true love for flowers. Giving services to the local customers at any kind of function’s floral needs including planning, design, delivery, setup, and removing waste. Another way is opening a flower shop.
#14. Green App Making
Green apps help people to live green. How to enhance the quality of living and what to buy in an eco-sustaining manner are the two major segments you can concentrate on. The Mobile green apps-making business has huge potential and vast opportunities.
#15. Green Building Material Store
A green building retail store typically sells countertops, cabinets, sinks, paints, plasters, finishes, floors, rugs, carpeting, etc., with the key difference being that all these things are healthy and sustainable products.
You must have adequate knowledge about a wide variety of building/remodeling products, their uses, their strengths and limitations, and their perception by the general public and the contractors who will make up a good part of your customer base.
#16. Green Cleaning Service
Green cleaning service improves indoor air quality; protects the health and safety of our clients as well as their children, pets, and our cleaning techs; reduces the amount of cleaning waste in the landfill; minimizes water usage and waste, and does it in a sustainable manner minimizing environmental impact. You can start this business as a home-based also.
#17. Green Home Consulting
A green home also is called a sustainable home, which means that it’s designed, built, and operated to efficiently maximize resources while creating less of an impact on the environment. A green home uses less energy and water, provides better, less toxic air quality, and incorporates stormwater management. With proper skill and knowledge, this business can be initiated on a small-scale basis.
#18. Green Wedding Planning
Green wedding planning professionals help couples to make eco-friendly choices throughout the planning process. A green wedding is any wedding where the couple tries to decrease the impact of their event on the planet. Jewelry, invitation, attire, makeup, flowers, photography, decor, food, and beverages are the segment where you can put your emphasis on making the wedding in a self-sustainable manner.
#19. Growing Cash Crop Plants
Identifying and selecting profitable cash crop plants to grow is the most crucial factor in a successful commercial farming business. Cash crops are simply plants that are grown or managed, harvested, and sold for cash rather than for sustenance. These are the most profitable green small business ideas to start with small capital investment.
#20. Hydroponic Retail Store
A person having a passion for plantation technology can start a hydroponic retail store business to turn his hobby into a profit-making venture. Hydroponics is a new plantation technology that has been increasing in demand over the past decades as a soil-free way of plantation both for commercial and home use.
#21. Jatropha Farming
Commercial jatropha farming for Bio-diesel is one of the most trending green business ideas. By exploring modern technology marginal farmers and cultivators can produce jatropha as raw material for bio-diesel.
#22. Juice Bar
A juice bar selling healthy and fresh fruit juices is one of the most profitable green business ideas in the retail segment. There are many great ways to incorporate locally sourced, organic, and seasonal produce that will greatly improve the environmental footprint of the business, as well as the health of your clients.
#23. Jute Bag Making
Reusable jute bag making is one of the most profitable green business ideas in the small-scale manufacturing segment. The jute bag manufacturing process is quite simple. Jute is a naturally found, inexpensive, biodegradable fiber.
For creating a pollution-free environment, the Govt. has started discouraging the use of polyethylene and resin items. In some states, polyethylene bags have been banned.
#24. Solar Bulbs
Making solar bulbs is one of the most lucrative green business ideas. This green business can be started with considerably low investment. The demand for solar bulbs is increasing rapidly in both developed and developing countries.
#25. Medicinal Herbs Farming
Growing medicinal herbs commercially are one of the profitable agriculture business ideas. Having sufficient land and knowledge about herbs marketing, an entrepreneur can initiate medicinal herb farming with moderate capital investment.
#26. Mushroom Farming
A mushroom farming business can be a means of big profit in just a few weeks with considerably low start-up capital investment to start a business. A person who has a little bit of idea in the science & technology of mushroom growing and has their building for having the farm – mushroom farming business will be the perfect option for young startups.
#27. Organic Cleaning Items Manufacturing
Organic cleaning items are also called green cleaning products. Producing and selling natural cleaning items are a very profitable business. People are becoming more health-conscious and they are moving towards organic cleaning methods. The potential is huge.
#28. Organic Day Spa
An organic day spa provides personalized services for health and relaxation. It includes massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and saunas. Organic day spas do these services without the traditional use of chemicals, and the most holistic of spas not only use organic oils, creams, and other personal products, but also supply organic tea in the waiting room, soy candles with non-lead wicks, and other touches of healthy, sustainable luxury.
#29. Organic Farming Green House
An organic farm greenhouse business has a high potential to grow and succeed because steadily the demand for organically grown farm products has grown considerably With the increase in awareness of the multiple health risks of foods grown with chemicals, more and more people are turning away from food products are grown with fertilizers and other chemicals towards organically grown food.
#30. Organic Food Store
In starting an organic food store business most important consideration is the store location. Like any other retail business, the right location is the most important factor in getting success in this business. With the increasing awareness of healthy living, people are more interested in taking organic food though they are more expensive than non-organic food. The retail organic food market is an emerging trend and it is growing by 20% every year.
#31. Organic Pest Control
With a new wave of environmentalism, eco-savvy consumers are realizing they no longer need to rely on traditional pesticides. It may pose health risks. The companies, which mostly work with commercial clients, say the demand for organic pest services is on the rise.
#32. Snail Farming
Snail farming business opportunity demands discipline and specific knowledge of modern technology. The business is all about raising land snails specifically for human consumption. It has a high rate of protein, iron, low fat, and almost all the amino acids that are needed for the human body. Snails are considered a healthy and tasty source of nutrition. The demand is increasing day by day globally.
#33. Upcycled Furniture
Making and selling upcycled furniture is one of the trending green business ideas nowadays. You can buy old furniture at a cheap rate. After refurbishing it with value addition you can sell the item with more profit margins.
#34. Used Books Vending Machine
It is an innovative vending machine idea. Used book vending allows the business to operate towards an environment-friendly approach. A second-hand book vending machine is a profitable business, provided you choose a perfect location for it.
#35. Vermicompost Production
Vermicompost organic fertilizer production has now become a significant component of agri-business models across the country with a very low initial investment. It is made by composting various species of worms to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste, bedding materials, and vermicast.
Vermicompost production is considered one of the most profitable green small business ideas, due to its low-cost raw materials and to inspire organic farming.
#36. Basket Weaving
Starting a profitable basket-weaving business requires thoughtful planning and a high level of creative mind having a flair for design. Using a wide range of raw materials an entrepreneur can initiate a customized basket-weaving business from a home location with moderate capital investment.
#37. Green Landscaping
Green landscaping is also known as sustainable or eco-landscaping. This is a modern way of landscaping to develop an innovative landscape saving time and energy. This kind of landscape aims to create self-sustainable habitats and healthy places to live free from air, soil, and water pollution.
#38. Solar Panels
Another upcoming profitable green business is making and selling solar panels. There has been a good demand for solar panels for the last years in recent years.
#39. Make LED Bulbs
#40. Start a Bio-Gas Plant
If you are living in a small town or a village, starting a biogas plant is certainly a lucrative business. This green business can be started with low investment and on a small scale.
#41. Ayurveda Green Tourism
Ayurveda is a therapy that promises holistic wellness. The natural herbs and oils used in the therapy are of great medicinal value as is said in the Vedic literature on Ayurveda. Ayurveda upholds a holistic system of cures on the principles of physiological balance and detoxification.
Read: How to Start a Profitable Ecotourism Business
National, as well as international acceptance of Ayurvedic healing, has widened the bounds and prospects of Ayurveda tourism. With its systematic means of detoxification as enshrined in the process of ‘Panchakarma’.
#42. Beekeeping
Beekeeping business opportunity demands day-to-day monitoring with close supervision of the bees. With increasing awareness about health, the demand for honey is growing globally. Beekeeping for selling honey and other products like wax is one of the most profitable green small business ideas to start with less startup investment.
#43. Green Building Consultancy
Consult on sustainable building practices, energy efficiency, and environmentally friendly materials to architects, builders, and property owners.
#44. Bio Pesticide Selling
The pest problem is one of the major constraints for achieving higher productivity in crops. Excessive use of chemical pesticides not only leaves residues in soil, water, and air but also has adverse effects on non-target organisms such as pollinators, parasitoids, predators, and wild animals.
This has adversely affected the ecological balance resulting in pest resurgence, development of resistance in the pest species, and environmental pollution. A biopesticide is considered a green alternative for pest control.
#45. Cactus Arrangements
Cactus is one of the most popular plant decor items across the globe. This is ideal for tabletop gardens, and many plants can coexist happily in the same container. Creating and selling cactus arrangements is a very profitable and self-rewarding business to start. It can initiate from a home location with low startup capital.
#46. Recycling and Waste Management
Create a recycling and garbage management company that provides businesses and households with collection, sorting, and recycling services. Instill the value of proper waste disposal and resource recovery.
#47. Green Clothing Line
Create a sustainable and environmentally friendly clothing line using organic textiles, recyclable resources, and ethical manufacturing practices. Encourage environmentally mindful clothing choices.
#48. Cycle Repair
It is without saying, cycles are one of the most popular eco-friendly ways of traveling. It does not emit polluted air. The bicycle repair business does not demand much capital investment. If you have some extra garage or shed space, you could also purchase inexpensive older bikes, fix them up and sell them for a profit.
#49. Eco-Friendly Event Planning
If you are good at planning events, consider starting an event planning business that specializes in eco-friendly and sustainable events. You can do it by incorporating practices such as minimal waste, renewable energy sources, and locally sourced vendors to create environmentally conscious gatherings.
#50. Green Landscaping and Gardening Services
People having experience in landscaping and gardening can start this business. You can offer landscaping services that prioritize sustainability and biodiversity. Consider using organic fertilizers, implement water-saving techniques, and promote native plants to create eco-friendly outdoor spaces.
#51. Air Duct Cleaning
Providing air duct cleaning services is considered a popular green business. You can help house owners to save energy. It also helps patients suffering from an allergy to get a fresh environment at home. You must procure some of the necessary cleaning equipment and tools.
#52. Vertical Farming
Start a vertical farming business that grows crops in vertical structures, maximizing space and minimizing water usage. Provide the community with fresh, locally sourced produce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I fund my green business venture?
There are several ways of funding your eco-friendly business. Other than your personal savings, you can explore options such as personal savings, loans, grants, or seeking investors who are aligned with your mission. In addition, look for organizations or programs that specifically support green entrepreneurs.
How do I communicate the sustainability aspect of my green business to customers?
You need to explain the eco-friendly features and benefits of your products or services through transparent and clear communication. It is advised to use various marketing channels for implementing it. It includes your website, social media platforms, and product labeling.
What are the potential challenges of running a green business?
The major challenge is to educate consumers about the value of sustainable products or services and compete with mainstream businesses. Additionally, you may face challenges like higher upfront costs for eco-friendly materials or technologies.
Are there certifications or standards for green businesses?
Yes, there are several certifications and standards that exist to verify and communicate a business’s eco-friendly practices. It includes LEED certification for buildings, USDA Organic certification for food products, and B Corp certification for overall sustainability performance.
About the Author: 99businessideas.com led by Rupak Chakrabarty is committed to helping beginners, entrepreneurs, and small business owners in starting, managing, and growing their businesses.
