October 3, 2007

“Green” businesses that incorporate sustainability, recycling, energy efficiency, and a focus on reusable materials, will be growing in the next century.

How do you get involved?

Here’s a quick list of 101 “Green” business ideas. See if any of them apply to your current profession and, if you are able to, get green-certified for your state or county.

101 Green business ideas

Services:
Eco-friendly cleaning/janitorial service
Handyman or handywoman services
Window Washing with natural products
Carpet Cleaning with natural products
LEEDS-certified design for architects
Interior Decorator specializing in sustainable materials
“Green” painter and painting supplies
“Green” dry-cleaning service
Gardener specializing in native plants
Plant supplier specializing in organically-grown seedlings
Xeriscape specialist
Landscape Designer
Florist
Pest management using natural products
Pet care with all-natural products
Construction utilizing best green practices
Automotive care
Auto repair

Food:
Healthy Organic Restaurant (high-end)
Healthy Organic Salad Bar
Organic produce delivery
Organic fair trade coffee sales
Organic chocolate
Organic line of children’s snacks
Cooking demonstrations for raw foods
Gluten-free pastries, desserts, or cakes to supply to bakeries
Kiosk or cart with organic drinks
Kiosk or cart with organic snacks
Kiosk or cart with organic smoothies
Personal Chef
Meal Planner/Organizer
Catering company specializing in “slow food”
Organic baby food

Consulting (using green practices):
Green business consulting: showing other businesses how to go green
Website designer/developer
Graphic Designer, green-certified
Computer training
Computer one-on-one tutoring
Software training
Software one-on-one tutoring
Digital Photographer
Notary Public
Educator/consultant on sustainability for small businesses
Do demonstrations of how to “green” a home
Telephone coach for personal development
Image consultant with a “green” focus
Marketing/Branding consultant with a “green” focus

Products:
Bamboo and other sustainable floor installation
Bamboo clothing
Jewelry made from natural materials like nuts, seeds, and leaves
Green blog selling ads to green businesses
Recycled paper products
Handmade cloth
Antique scout
Organic cotton clothing design and sales
Organic cotton diapers design and sales
Toys made of natural materials
Sustainable furniture design and sales
Sustainable accessories design and sales

Personal Services (receive green certification):
Fitness Trainer
Over-50 Fitness Trainer
Beauty Products
Dentist
Naturopath
Chiropractor
Massage Therapist
Acupuncturist
Nutrition Advisor
Martial Arts Teacher
Yoga instructor
Senior caregiver
Hairstylist
Makeup Artist
Gift baskets with organic products
Day Spa Services

Children:
Childcare with a focus on providing organic foods
Organic cotton clothing design and sales
Organic cotton diapers design and sales
Toys made of natural materials
Birthday Party setup and cleanup using potato-based utensils and recyclable supplies
Birthday Party entertainment

Professional Services (incorporate a “green” focus into business practices):
Attorney
Accountant/Bookkeeping
Tax Prep/Enrolled Agent
Insurance Agent
Health Insurance Agent
Long term Health Care Insurance Agent
Financial Advisor
Real Estate agent
Mortgage agent
Environmental Consulting
Facilities Manager
Property Manager
Solar Energy consultant
Space Planner
Office Organizer
Moving Services
Storage Services
Green business broker
Green printer representative
E-bay business/E-bay consigner

Do you want to start your own Green Business? Follow my “Business Builder Shop Talk” series: http://www.asuccessfulwoman.com/success/tags/shop-talk/.

If you’re thinking of developing an online-only business, make sure to get a copy of my book, ‘Fifty-one Ways to Build your Community of Clients Online’. It’s chock-full of tips on how to build a virtual business with a loyal fan base of customers.

To find and support other green businesses, visit the following links:
http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/greenpages/
http://www.greenpeople.org/
http://www.localharvest.org/