Image via Flickr by homard.net
Many people assume that pursuing sustainability means spending more money. While putting up solar panels or purchasing an electric car is certainly an investment, these are far from the only ways you can help the environment. In fact, there are many ways that women can green up their lives while earning cash. Consider these smart solutions.
Put a Green Spin on Your Vocation
While there are many jobs that are inherently green — such as ecologist, forester, or hydrologist — there are many more that you can put an eco-friendly spin on when you’re passionate about your cause. If you’re a construction manager, consider becoming LEED Accredited to work on sustainable building projects. If you have experience as a program director, look for a job with an environmentally-focused nonprofit. If you’re an interior designer, start focusing on materials and processes that are easier on the environment.
Take a closer look at what you already do and see if you can find an innovative way to make your work greener. You’ll continue making money while living lighter on the earth.
Write About Eco-Friendly Innovations
Eco-friendly initiatives and inventions are rolling out every day. If you have your finger to the pulse of this industry, consider writing about it. There are many blogs that will pay for guest posts. Depending on your experience in the industry, you could make a tidy sum writing about environmental issues regularly or you may earn just a few extra dollars pursuing it as an occasional hobby.
If you’re interested in writing full-time, consider creating your own blog about the environmental issues that interest you. Whether you follow sustainable home design or environmental politics, your voice can help incite positive change for the environment. As a successful blogger you can also get paid for your efforts.
Don’t Discard — Resell
The next time you’re cleaning out your house, strive to keep the trash bags empty. Instead of ditching items you no longer want, find opportunities to resell them. You may be surprised at the things people will pay for. Collect your old wine corks and sell them for crafting on a site like eBay. List furniture and other large items for local pick-up on Craigslist or Facebook garage sale groups. Sell books back to Amazon.
With a little effort you can put a price tag on just about anything. This strategy will keep things out of the landfill and put a dent in the need for newly manufactured goods.
Start a Smart Side Business
Consider selling something on the side that’s good for the environment. This is a smart way to earn a little extra money while promoting products that are produced or sourced sustainably. You might sell Amway products that are made from ingredients raised with organic farming practices, take your homegrown organic veggies to a farmer’s market, or start knitting items for Etsy with organic cotton yarn.
Share an Unused Vehicle
Do you have a vehicle that you don’t use all the time? Consider renting it out to others who only need part-time transportation as well. This reduces the number of vehicles on the road and instantly turns something that would otherwise linger in your driveway into a money-earner. Sites like Turo and Just Share It provide a framework for this very purpose. Just sign up, list your vehicle, and start making money.
Rent What You Don’t Use
Do you have items around the house that are primarily used for special occasions? Perhaps there’s a beautiful crystal punch bowl that only comes out once a year. What about that chocolate fondue fountain, rugged mountain bike, or expansive two-room tent? There are websites and apps that facilitate all types of rentals, from Vera Wang gowns to video games.
Try Peer Renters, Rent Billow, Date My Wardrobe, and Loanables. You may be surprised at what you can rent for cash. Offering your items for rent limits what others have to buy and cuts down on all the resources and pollution associated with manufacturing.
Whether you’re looking for an eco-minded career change or you just want to earn extra pennies, there are numerous ways you can improve the environment and earn money at the same time.
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