Although COVID-19 has been dominating our thoughts over the past few months, climate change continues to pose a huge threat to the planet. According to a report produced by the BBC in January, the world continues to get hotter, and we aren’t on track to meet climate change targets.
That’s why an increasing number of entrepreneurs are launching so-called ‘eco businesses’ or sustainable business that aim to help protect the planet in addition to making a profit. These include household names like Innocent Drinks and Lush, as well as less-known brands such as Wyatt and Jack, The Travelling Bee Company and Igloo.
You can be part of this movement.
By founding a green company that focuses on innovation and change, you could help increase recycling rates, cut carbon emissions, help reduce pollution and allow more consumers to make eco-friendly choices.
Here are some great business ideas for 2020 to get you started.
1. Eco-friendly waste management service
With the recent changes to business waste collection in the UK, many companies are looking for affordable ways to help manage their waste and reduce their impact on the planet.
But the task of organizing and implementing a green waste policy and subsequent waste collection can seem overwhelming. This means that there’s a fantastic opportunity for forward-thinking entrepreneurs to start a business that can handle it all for them.
Whether you choose to operate a green waste consultancy business or be more hands-on with a waste disposal service, you’ll help reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills and potentially help slow the rate of climate change.
To get started, invest in recycling equipment such as an industrial recycling machine, read up on current UK government recommendations regarding the disposal of waste, and start advertising your services.
2. Healthy, ethical catering business
With the recent coronavirus pandemic, more people than ever are turning to locally grown, locally made products, especially if they’re slightly out of the ordinary.
This makes it the perfect time to open an ethical catering company.
“Healthy food is big business, with growing demand for healthy snacks, healthy fast food, and healthy meal planning,” says business insurance company Simply Business, “If you’re interested in starting a healthy food business, you’ve got plenty of options, from setting up a food stall to baking low-calorie cakes.”
Tailor your culinary creations to niche groups such as those eating organic, vegan, gluten-free or even paleo diets and you’re even more likely to succeed.
For maximum eco brownie points, minimise single use plastics and choose reusable, recycled or compostable instead.
3. Bicycle repair
For the more technically minded entrepreneur, a bicycle repair or renovation business could be right up your street. It’s a relatively easy business to set up, overhead costs can be low, and you can start it from your own home if needed.
Cycling is one of the most eco-friendly forms of transport and its popularity looks set to grow over the coming years as more cycle lanes are built across the country. The coronavirus pandemic has also led people to consider alternatives to public transport like buses, making a bicycle repair company very savvy indeed.
4. Handmade, natural, organic products
Start your business by creating handmade, organic, natural products and you can make a massive difference to the environment.
Whether you choose to make natural cosmetics, eco-friendly soaps, carve wooden toys by hand, or even create naturally inspired jewellery, you can find a profitable niche in the market. These products are also easy to sell online. You just need a website and a plugin and you’re good to go.
If you choose minimal packaging, source local or non-toxic materials and find an eco-friendly shipping method, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and help your customers do the same with theirs.
5. Green cleaning services
Eco-friendly house cleaning is a niche which continues to grow as households and businesses become more aware of our impact on the environment.
By using non-toxic alternatives to those common household cleaning products, minimising your use of packaging, recycling as much as possible and considering a green form of transport, you could create a thriving business with a difference.
“Green cleaning companies care about the environment and providing you with a clean space,” says Go Green Cleaning. “These services use toxic-free cleaning solutions that thoroughly clean all areas of your building.”
Identify your target audience, find a price bracket to work with, and consider how your new cleaning business can be as eco-friendly as possible.
Summary
If you want to help build a more positive future for the planet, create an eco-friendly business today. Whether you choose one of the ideas included here, or you revamp your business to become more eco-friendly, you can make a difference.
