There are lots of reasons to start your own business. You get to be your own boss, follow your passions, and take control of your working schedule.
But another fantastic reason to run your own enterprise is to opt-out of environmentally damaging big businesses and to make your living ethically.
With more and more customers keen to invest in ethical products (and happy to pay a little extra for the peace of mind), choosing to run an eco-friendly business is not just environmentally responsible – it can be lucrative too.
So if you’re looking for small-business ideas that won’t do damage to the planet, check out the list below.
Vegan and Organic Foods
Industrial livestock farming contributes significantly to global warming. This is just one reason that vegan and organic diets have become increasingly popular all over the world. 
Vegan cakes, organic preserves, dairy-free ice cream, organic wine, home-grown vegetables and vegan fast food can all be made cheaply and easily, and sold at farmer’s markets, independent cafes, and provided at catered events.
For more vegan business ideas, check out The Minimalist Vegan.
Soap and Cosmetics
Most supermarket soaps and cosmetics contain substances which are not only environmentally damaging but also tested on animals. Palm oil is particularly problematic, as are products wrapped in plastic.
But ethical soap can be made at home using organic substances like coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, almond oil and shea butter. You can then add natural colours and fragrances for some extra originality and luxury.
Ethical soap and other handmade cosmetics are popular purchases on online and in independent shops.
Rosin Products
Rosin is a hard resin extracted from a variety of pines and other plants, which can be handmade and used for several purposes.
One of the most popular uses of pine rosin is to treat horsehair violin bows. You can extract the resin yourself, or buy raw pine resin online, then complete the process at home.
Rosin is also used in printing ink, soap, sealing wax and soldering fluxes. If you live in a state where marijuana is legal, you can also extract rosin from cannabis plants using a nugsmasher.
Cannabis rosin has become increasingly popular as an organic alternative to dried marijuana, which contains harmful solvents. Solventless rosin is a particularly great option for the elderly, as well as people who are concerned with the purity of what they put into their bodies. Most experts predict that it will continue to grow in popularity.
Eco-Friendly Fashion
Fashion enthusiasts all over the world are looking for alternatives to cheap, disposable, unethical clothing products. As a result, ethical clothing has become a booming business.
There are a number of ethical clothing business ideas to consider. Second-hand ‘vintage’ clothing can be collected, tailored and sold online or in independent shops.
Ebay and Etsy are great places to get your clothing store set up, whilst social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are effective tools for branding and marketing.
You can also buy ethically produced, fairtrade and organic plain t-shirts from companies like Boody and Kotn, then customised with your own designs.
And there we have it! Use these ideas as a springboard to find the perfect ethical business idea to make an income whilst helping to save the planet.
