Top 5 Sustainable Business Ideas For Entrepreneurs Living in India

Top 5 Sustainable Business Ideas For Entrepreneurs Living In India

Looking to start an eco-friendly business while you’re in India? Check out five ideas to get you started in this short article.

As the effects of climate change worsen, Indian entrepreneurs—or “eco-entrepreneurs”—are leading the charge to discover innovative ways to improve their environmental situation.

According to the Confederation of Indian Industry, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) contribute an estimated 33.4% of India’s manufacturing output. 

Additionally, a survey found that one-third of its respondents consider sustainability a significant factor before buying something. So, if you plan to start a business, you can’t ignore the impact it will have on the environment. 

This article will provide a few sustainable business ideas you can start that not only meets consumer demands but also leaves a positive impact on the planet.

5 Sustainable Business Ideas for Entrepreneurs Living in India

Starting a sustainable business doesn’t need to be complex. You can start small and scale from there. Check out the ideas below to help you determine the right sustainable business for you.

1.  Upcycle discarded items into household decorations

Upcycling is about reimaging old items for new purposes. You can upcycle anything, turning them into different products altogether.

Take old glass bottles and jars, for example. You can paint empty, discarded glass bottles and jars with vibrant colors to create an exciting decoration for your home. You can even insert fairy lights to lighten up your garden or living room. 

Once you’ve upcycled the item, you can start selling it to customers looking to redesign their living spaces.

You may even consider opening your business for commissions and customizing your products to match clients’ tastes. 

2. Refurbish old electronic devices

According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020, 53.6 million metric tons (Mt) or 5.36 billion kilograms of e-waste were generated in 2019 alone.

This can be dangerous since electronic devices contain hazardous chemicals that make landfills highly toxic.

Even if a device is a few years behind its latest iteration, it doesn’t mean it’s no longer valuable. In fact, there’s a dedicated consumer base for refurbished devices. India’s refurbished smartphone market is forecasted to grow to $10 billion within the decade.

So, look for devices you don’t use anymore and refurbish them—erase all the data and reset to their factory settings—to help you get started with this potentially lucrative business. 

3. Sell commonly disposed of items to recycle centers

If you don’t have the time to recycle items yourself but don’t want them ending up in landfills, consider donating them to recycling centers such as deposit or refund programs, curbside collections, and drop-off centers. 

These centers will typically pay you for your trash. You can donate different types of items, including the following:

• Glass and plastic bottles
• Corks
• Plastic pots
• Egg cartons
• Coffee grounds
• Bottle caps
• Shoe boxes
• Folding cartons

It’s a simple and easy way to earn money since these are items you already have at home. 

4. Create a blog or app about sustainability

If you love to write or code, you can use those skills to create something that benefits your community’s sustainability efforts. 

Blogs can be a great way to earn money online through affiliate marketing or digital advertising. You can create a blog where you teach the basics of sustainability and share tips you’ve learned about how to recycle better. Or you can make an educational mobile app that helps people recycle their items better.

The tools you need to start a blog or create an app generally comes down to two items: a laptop and an internet connection.

Having both also allows you access to the immeasurable amount of free educational content online to improve your writing, coding, and business skills. 

5. Open a thrift store

The buying of secondhand items saw a rise in popularity over the pandemic. That tells you there’s a market for things you don’t need, want or fit anymore.

Setting up this business is straightforward. You can imagine it being more like a digital garage sale. You only need to take photos of the clothes, books, or items you want to sell, then post them on social media. 

By selling old items instead of completely disposing of them, you contribute to the circular economy, reduce waste, and positively impact your surroundings. 

Wrapping Up

Climate change is a serious issue that no one can ignore. If you plan to start a business, consider starting one that is eco-friendly.

Not only will it help you capitalize on the trend of becoming more environmentally conscious, but it will also help you take care of the planet we all share. 

Before opening your business, it’s important to do your research first. The ideas above can act as a starting point to help you design a company that works for you. Learn more about your industry and what licenses and permits you need to get started. 

While it might be hard work and would need a big upfront investment of your time and money, creating a business that benefits your target consumers and the environment would be worth it.  

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