Akhil Shahani asked:


Social responsibility towards the environment is fast becoming part of the business psyche of our society. Starting with the big guns who call it “corporate responsibility” to smaller companies pursuing eco friendly processes, there is a new sensitivity in the way businesses are run. The small entrepreneur is not to be left behind either, with a number of sustainable enterprises taking birth in this era of environmental consciousness.

There is no arguing that having respect for our surroundings is the right thing to do; but did you know that it’s also the smarter option? In the long run, it will save precious resources and possibly prevent calamitous occurrences. No wonder, organizations are taking to it in a big way. As an entrepreneur, you could do your bit to support the cause, or even better, make a business out of several options of sustainable enterprises.

Seeking inspiration? Look no further, for we have a range of ideas on sustainable enterprises you could make your own!

Work with recycled paper: You could set an example conserving trees by starting an eco- friendly recycled paper business. You could include greeting cards, paper mache items such as wall hangs, Easter eggs, pencil holders and paper bags in your repertoire. Use your creativity to design them and package attractively; coupled with the go-green motto, you will see your sales soar. You could also run classes to teach people craft using recycled paper,

Let nature do the talking: Tourism is big all over. You will always find people who’d like to take a trip to the countryside; hills; forests or anyplace where nature is in full bloom. Zero in on your favorite tourist spot and start an adventure enterprise. Your initial capital commitment might be higher but so are the returns. Be different from the others in the business and adopt an eco-friendly approach; talk against littering, include only biodegradable items in your travel pack, inform them about nature’s wondrous ways….



G(r)O(w) organic: This could be a refreshing alternative to all the junk food that abounds. Turn the public’s health consciousness to your advantage by growing organic food. Even what you grow in your backyard could fetch you big profits. Market your business through pamphlets professing the pros of eating healthy.

Capture nature at her best: You could translate your interest in nature photography into a sustainable enterprise. Use the photographs to make calendars or just sell them as portraits. you will find valuable resources to help you step into the field.

Enter the realm of power: Solar energy is the next big thing! The world is fast running out of resources and governments everywhere are trying to get everybody under the sky to install solar panels in their homes. The scope is enormous and you could play your part anywhere in the industry, from manufacturing to marketing! Learn more about the potential of this field through “Survey of the Emerging Solar Energy Industry” by J.A. Bereny, F. de Winter.

Start a website: If technical stuff is your forte, you could design a website dealing with the environment. Make it interesting by offering online courses, other ideas on starting sustainable enterprises, eco-friendly products, books etc. There is a lot of money to be made in this business and a quick stop will tell you how to make some of it your own.

“Ethical Money: How to Invest in Sustainable Enterprises” by John Hancock, and “Sustainable Enterprise: Profiting from Best Practice “by Christopher Stephen Brown, are other good resources on the subject.

When it comes to sustainable enterprises you will never run out of options, even the lemonade you sold in grade three falls under this category. What’s more, they also offer you a chance to make a real difference to our planet!



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