An Idea for a Small Business You Can Start

Start-up costs range $50 to $500,000+, earnings $5,000 to $2,000,000++, skills from knowing nothing to running an airline. Bon appetit!

ENVIRONMENTALLY CONCERNED BUSINESS

Start-up cost: $2,000 - $50,000+, depending on whether you start a service business or need an inventory.

Potential earnings: $10,000 - $100,000+

Experience and training needed: Work in a business similar to one you want to start; read environmental publications.

WHAT YOU DO
Air and water pollution, accumulation of toxic chemicals and wastes, and overflowing landfills are just some of the environmental problems we face. If you can come up with a unique business or an original idea to fix an ecological problem, you will not only help the earth, but you can also make some handsome profits in the process. Here are just a few of the kinds of businesses that presently exist:

  • Ecotourism. There are two kinds -- one is termed "soft," in which people take hiking, mountain biking, photo, rafting, or other nontraditional excursions and do not disturb the ecosystem; and the other is termed "hard," in which people work toward common goals such as restoring habitats or working at archaeological sites.
     
  • Selling natural products. These include non-animal-tested cosmetics and environmentally safe home cleaning and pet care products.
     
  • Recycling materials. Collect materials for industries and "green" businesses.
     
  • Recycling consultant broker. Help communities set up and implement or improve their recycling programs.
     
  • Recycling inventor. Come up with a unique way to use recycled materials in a product you devise.
     
  • Grower of organic produce and herbs. Sell to healthfood stores, grocery stores, and restaurants.
     
  • Natural garden service. Offer chemical-free lawn and garden care service products.

Excerpted with permission from "101 Best Home-Based Businesses for Women" by Priscilla Y. Huff. Published by Prima Publishing. For more on this and 100 other great businesses you can start, Buy the book now or ask for it at your favorite bookstore. You can also call (800) 632-8676 www.primapublishing.com

Ideas for a Small Business You Can Start Classics

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