The pandemic proved to be an extraordinary time when many people went through a financial crisis. Some lost their jobs while others have their existing business at a standstill. Everyone’s instinct was to spend whatever income and savings one has conservatively.
But then, there are also brave souls who are taking advantage of the pandemic by starting their own business. Some were unsuccessful, but many now have a thriving brand.
Why Start an Eco-Friendly Brand During the Crisis
One reason many opted to turn the pandemic into a business opportunity is that they started reevaluating what they deem important. They know that starting a business in the middle of a crisis comes with lots of risks. But then, that did not stop them from following their gut and chasing their passion.
More people realized just how unsatisfied they are for working nine-to-five each day. They no longer wish to live from one paycheck to another. They realized how fulfilling it is to actually make money out of your passion.
Starting a business may not be all unicorns and rainbows. But the pandemic made many of us realize how short life is to continue living a life you are not happy with. They chose to invest in things that will make them happy and fulfilled and can help them secure their future.
Many people are also using this chance to fulfill their corporate social responsibility. They built their businesses with sustainability in mind. They are making their businesses more eco-friendly, knowing more consumers are expecting businesses to their part in protecting the environment.
We all know that the planet is slowly dying due to our own destructive practices. Embracing eco-friendly business processes is one way to reduce your brand’s carbon footprints. This is also another way to set your business apart from your competitors who haven’t embraced sustainable practices just yet.
Eco-friendly Business Ideas to Try Mid-pandemic
Many environment-friendly businesses started popping up during the crisis. Some even started their brand in their own home to save money. If you are looking for eco-friendly businesses to try, here are some ideas to get you started.
Hand-made, Eco-friendly Products
Creating your own hand-made soaps the eco-friendly way is one way to start a business without taxing the environment. You have the option to create different colored soaps and add different fragrance oils into your soap. More consumers would appreciate that you are doing all this by hand and how fresh-smelling your offers are compared to store-bought soaps.
If you are into candles, then you will be delighted to find that you can actually make a business out of eco-friendly candles. Your choice of materials and ingredients greatly matters when crafting candles. For a more eco-friendly choice, avoid paraffin wax and go for beeswax or soy candles.
Organic Store
If you love organic items, then setting up an organic store can be the right business for you. You have the option to choose what organic products to sell, which can range from organic food, snacks, pet supplies, or even organic skincare products. More consumers are looking for organic options since these are healthier than regular items bought in the supermarket.
Second-hand Store
Recycling is one great way to embrace sustainability. What better way to make money out of your old items than by selling them? You can leverage the fact that more people are into thrift-shopping.
You can buy and sell gently used items like clothes, books, even furniture. People who want to save money but still want to enjoy quality items can visit your shop to buy the things they need. You also have the option to buy god enough hand-me-downs to continuously fill up your inventories to sell.
Making Your Startup More Eco-Friendly
There are certain practices worth keeping in mind to make your eco-friendly business more sustainable. You can start with the way you market your offers. Introducing your business online is a good way to market your brand and reach your target audiences effectively.
Next is how you source and craft your products. Choose eco-friendly materials and work with local businesses and suppliers. This will help you reduce your environmental impact while helping out other local businesses in the process.
Don’t forget about “greening” the way you pack and deliver your offers. Choose eco-friendly packaging and use less single-use plastics. Choose eco-friendly transportation options when delivering orders and partner with a courier that also observes eco-friendly business practices.
The pandemic can be a great time to start an eco-friendly brand. You can use this opportunity to pursue your passion, free yourself of the nine-to-five job you hate, and finally do something that is good for the environment. If starting a business will bring you more joy and give you a better sense of achievement, then it is worth taking the risk. Not even a pandemic can stop a passionate and eco-conscious consumer from building their own brand mid-crisis.
