How to Get Started as an Eco-Friendly Entrepreneur

Starting a green business is a great way to support the planet while pursuing your passion for business. Eco-friendly businesses come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you want to launch an e-commerce store selling sustainable products or market eco-friendly services to locals in your community, knowledge and planning will ensure your success. Here are some tips from the Green Man to help you launch your very own green business!

From forming your business plan to learning about ecopreneurship, forming a sustainable business involves a number of important steps.

• Take inspiration from innovative companies that have recently launched sustainable business ideas.

• Research the market to identify new opportunities in the green industry.

• Tackle the legal steps involved in starting a business, like forming an LLC.

• Read action-based guides and books to learn how you can become an agent of environmental change.

Go above and beyond your green business model by implementing sustainable practices in all areas of your business.

• Source supplies and inventory locally to reduce transport emissions.

• Choose green packaging materials like biodegradable packing peanuts.

• Save paper—and office supply costs—by going digital.

• Get familiar with good office recycling practices, like rinsing recyclables to avoid waste contamination.

Greenwashing occurs when brands make exaggerated claims about sustainability just to attract customers. Learn how to avoid greenwashing and preserve your reputation.

• Provide reliable proof that your product is good for the environment.

• Review the FTC Green Guides to avoid making deceptive marketing claims.

• Adapt your lifestyle to better align with the values of your business.

As consumers become increasingly concerned about environmental problems like global warming, ocean pollution, biodiversity loss, and deforestation, they’re changing their shopping habits to support green brands. Building a sustainable business is a great way to tap into this growing market! This is your chance to find innovative solutions to environmental concerns and do your part for people and the planet.