At Kumēia, we want to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs who can bring high standards and integrity to the green sector.
© Image Dickenson V. Alley via Wikimedia Commons. Nikola Tesla in his Colorado Springs lab with his Magnifying Transmitter, 1899
Research has proven that across all sectors, but especially cosmetics, consumers want to see more green creators and eco-friendly products enter the market. Findings from a recent Climate Awareness Report (ClimatePartner & Appinio, 2021) show consumer understand the implications of their consumption and pay attention to labels to investigate their favourite brand’s green credentials.
Clearly, consumers’ habits are moving in the right direction, there is a growing willingness to reward companies that are serious about sustainability. This shift represents a huge opportunity for all green entrepreneurs.
People who are passionate about eco-friendly living and embrace a conscious lifestyle have a new competitive 壯陽藥 advantage in the green economy.
If you have a strong idea and can communicate your values effectively, there will be an audience for your product or service.
If you are unsure about where to start, we have a list of 6 ideas which should light your creative spark.
Upcycling or ‘flipping’ your way to profit
Upcycling is a term used to describe the process of altering an unwanted item. Hopefully, to return it to a state where it is once again functional and desirable.
You probably have done some upcycling, or flipping, at home. For example, have you turned a pair of faded jeans into cool summer shorts? Or, have you cut an old t-shirt into small pieces to make a cleaning cloth? Whatever your current experience, you will know the satisfied feeling you get when you rescue an item from disposal.
Upcycling is all about learning new skills and being creative. If you think you have a particularly strong creative mind, why not turn your upcycling hobby into a green business. You can start with items of furniture – give your old chairs and tables a modern look with a bright and vibrant coat of paint.
Stuck for ideas? Get some inspiration from ‘upcyclers’ on social media. These creators are helping beginners style and sell their discarded items. Soon you won’t want to throw anything away!
Educate the world about sustainability
The world always needs more teachers.
Climate breakdown has brought with it a wide range of complex problems. Even although consumers understand the need for action, many need guidance about how they can make positive changes in their lives. So, if you have a keen interest in the environment and believe you can inspire people with your message, you should consider a role as a green educator.
Change the face of retail
The best entrepreneurial ideas solve a problem for consumers. Currently, consumers are frustrated with a situation that appears to be completely avoidable – unnecessary product packaging. Legacy companies and start ups must discover ways to reduce this burden on households or risk alienating potential customers.
So, how can you revolutionise product packaging? In our blog, we have looked at the possible scientific solutions. One Mexican scientist, Sandra Pascoe Ortiz, is developing a biodegradable alternative to plastic from the juice of a cactus, native to her country. This ingenious project is one way to combat waste, however, you do not need to be a scientist to make an impact in retail manufacturing.
Many supermarkets and retail locations are adopting a zero waste policy, such as Shop Zero in the UK. Zero waste shops, like Shop Zero, require customers to supply their own containers and bottles to hold their food purchases.
This policy reduces costs for the retailer, and also offers consumers the opportunity to live more sustainably. Why not search for a ‘zero waste store near me’ and get a glimpse at the possible future of retail and grocery shopping.
Open a second-hand or vintage store
It is encouraging to see an appetite amongst consumers for eco-friendly products, unfortunately, many are still tempted by cheap goods with a negative environmental record.
A group of Princeton university graduates laid out the environmental impact of our obsession with ‘fast fashion’.
- Water usage – it takes thousands of litres of water to process the materials for our clothes. For example, to create one cotton t-shirt, factories might use as much as 3,000 litres of water.
- Microplastics – cheap clothing manufacturers use primarily synthetic materials to lower their costs of production. When we wash these clothing items the fragments of plastic in the fibres of the material enter the water supply.
In order to protect our water supplies and reduce the amount of plastic in our oceans, you can invest in a second-hand clothing store. With second-hand items you can compete with the low prices of fast fashion retail outlets and you can tempt consumers with a pro-environmental message. Your second-hand store doesn’t have to be limited to only clothing. You can encourage people to donate unwanted furniture or books.
Check out the student’s findings on the problems with fast fashion here – https://psci.princeton.edu/tips/2020/7/20/the-impact-of-fast-fashion-on-the-environment
Organise unique and eco-friendly weddings
Any couple who have planned a wedding event understand the considerable cost and stress of their big day. Aside, from the financial cost, these events usually produce a significant amount of waste. Most brides will wear a dress that will only be worn once and couples will buy decorations that won’t be displayed again.
So, how can you help clients have a spectacular wedding that aligns with their sustainable lifestyle? One option you have is to act as a consultant. You can advise couples on outdoor locations and green businesses where they can have a registry.
Or, you can have a more hands on role. Why not supply the decorations and catering for the event from local businesses and artisans in the area. If you can source most of the goods locally you can cut down on emissions.
Start your own green wedding planning business and help families save money. Remember you are not only selling sustainability, you are giving clients a unique experience, different from traditional ceremonies.
Get some more ideas for green wedding planning from an existing business, here.
Help businesses avoid single-use plastic
Rather than creating a new product for consumers, green entrepreneurs can be successful by providing a service for legacy companies.
Most of our plastic waste is driven by large companies. Coca cola, for example, is the worst culprit. In 2019, a charity which monitors plastic waste revealed that the drinks firm was the most polluting major brand, producing three million tonnes of packaging each year.
So, it is clear that green entrepreneurs are needed to facilitate change as B2B companies. There are many examples of this type of business currently in operation:
- Ink refill business – these green entrepreneurs support businesses by refilling their ink cartridges. Sustainable ink cartridges can be reused up to 4 or 5 times, this means that refill businesses can significantly reduce a company’s need for plastic.
- Sustainable food packaging – fast food chains are attempting to address their impact on the environment. Many companies are trialling food-grade paper to replace plastic condiment containers, straws and food wrapping.
At Kumēia, we are committed to reducing our single-use plastic consumption.
One area that is of particular concern in many homes is the kitchen. We tend to use a lot of plastic to store our fresh food. Thankfully, there are sustainable options to avoid excessive plastic use.
Check out our DIY beeswax wrappers. They are super simple to make and keep your food fresh as well as cling film and aluminium foil.
For more tips and guidance on how to navigate the world of green business, follow our green entrepreneurship blog.
