Make Money Going Green

The message to go green is being spread across the globe. The effort to help the environment is actually turning into big business. This is the business to be in as it targets a growing market. We are in the information age, which makes it easy for people to find out about what they are really putting into their bodies. This industry is growing by 20% or more each year. People want to be informed and more people are taking action every single day. Consumers feel good when they are making ethical decisions that influence change. The sky is the limit; there are so many different green businesses that just about anyone can start. Starting a green business not only helps you and your family, thrive, but it also helps the environment. Why not take a slice of a 33 billion dollar pie.

Green Business Ideas

Organic Restaurant

The demand continues to increase for fresh organic food. People are starting to shy away from fast food and switch to healthier alternatives. Organic restaurants and sandwich shops are sprouting up all over and the business is good. Now more than ever restaurant owners have a huge supply of organic food and ingredients at their finger tips. Many of these new organic restaurants obtain their food directly from local farms in their area. Among some of the most popular are Organic pizza and sandwich establishments.

If you are currently in the food business, you can drive new customers to your business by up grading your menu. You can offer a selection of delicious organic options in addition to your regular menu.

Natural Products

Do you love to create your own natural beauty potions? If so, then this may be the business for you. Consumers are more aware of the ingredients found in most conventional hair, skin, and bath products. They are moving away from chemicals, and going back to basics especially when it comes to what they put on their skin. Most conventional beauty products contain parabens, which are preservatives that can mimic hormones.

Burt's Bees, a natural product leader, started out as a family owned and operated business, it has now grown into a multi-million dollar company, with a vast assortment of natural products favored by families every where. Burt and his family were struggling to make ends meet, selling honey on the back of his pick up truck. They decided to grow the business and started to make candles from beeswax. They used the proceeds from the sale to expand their business from there. They now have an extensive product line, offering everything from lip balm to shower gel.

Do you enjoy being out doors? Do you love to spend time in the garden? Do you already have land? If so, then organic farming may be just right for you. Organic farmland makes up only about 2% of the worlds total farm land. Organic farmers are having a difficult time keeping up with the high need for organic food. There is such a high demand for organic food that many farmers can't produce the food fast enough to distribute it. Since 1990 this market has grown by 25% or more each year. The need continues to be high as more people are starting to prefer organic over conventional.

Virtual Call Center

A Virtual call center is another awesome green business that is great for those with telecommunications or call center experience. A virtual call center involves hiring staff to work out their homes for customer service, tech support or collection calls. This type of business is better for the environment as compared to a more traditional call center. You don't need a building using up valuable energy. It also reduces pollution because your employees telecommute from their homes rather than driving to and from work on a daily basis.

Green Builders

Green building is a construction practice which helps the environment by offering building options that are better for the environment. Some of these options include:

Solar power

Harvesting the power of the sun to provide energy has been around for years, yet this technology has been so expensive that many consumers have not been able to afford the investment. Builders are getting creative by offering solar powered water heaters, and solar powered attic fans. A solar power attic fan helps to keep the home up to 30% cooler, cutting energy costs. It is also something that is well within reach for most people as it costs around $500-$700 with installation. Some companies are developing solar powered roof tiles which are made to look like regular tile.

Natural Materials- Industrial or man made

There is a wide range of interesting natural materials that green builders use from straw bale, to rammed earth. Rammed earth building has been around for thousands of years. It involves taking sand and clay to form structures. These homes are very solid and easy to cool. There are so many eco materials available to choose from, which can be used to build a beautiful home.

Natural Fiber Insulation

Fiber glass is a common insulator which has been said to be linked to cancer. Natural fiber insulation is made from recycled cotton (clothing) which helps to reduce landfill waste. It requires less energy to make, has no formaldehyde, non toxic, and it poses no respiratory threats.

Are you nervous about starting a business?

Starting a business of any kind takes hard work and dedication. People who go into business for themselves tend to have a far better success rate if they do something they are passionate about. Don't just start any business, make a plan and really think about the best business for you and your family. Your two steps ahead of the game if you are already in the industry for which you would like to grow a business. Plenty of resources are available, right under your nose. Free training can be provided at your local small business administration.

Tips for Success

-Once you decide what type of green business you want to start be sure to research your market by finding out as much as possible before you get started. This can save you a lot of headache in the future.

-Create goals for yourself, and develop a business plan.

-Again take advantage of all the free advice you can get your hands on. Take a class. Talk to someone who is already running a successful business. Find a mentor.

These are just a few business ideas to get your creative juices flowing. What is your passion? Think about how you can you turn your passion into a green business? Start with one product or business idea, and take it from there. Help your family and the environment by getting rich going green.