How To Turn Your Passions into $$$
Tips on How to Make Money the Eco-Friendly Way
Hey friend {I can call you that, right?},
Have you noticed how hard it is to get a job? I think it's even harder now with the rise of AI, which is another topic for another day. However, suppose you're an environmentalist like myself. In that case, I feel like it's especially tough to get a Green Job since Donald Trump's election and the rise of conservatism across the US and Europe.
Unfortunately, we live in a capitalistic society, which means we need money to do anything. That's where I come in—not to give you money, but to give you advice that can help you get money…Sorry!
Today, we're diving into how you can make money while saving the planet because both are important. So whether you're into thrifting, cooking, or gardening, there's a way for you to turn your passions into profit. Let's get started!
Thrifting: Turn Secondhand Finds into Cash
Thrifting isn’t just a sustainable way to shop—it’s also a great way to make money.
Have you heard of House flipping? Well, you can do something similar to that but with clothes, called Thrift Flipping. Find secondhand clothing, furniture, or home goods and upcycle them. You can also go through your closet and take out the clothes that you’re not going to wear. If you haven’t worn the clothing within the last six months, it’s time to take it out of your closet. You can resell the clothing, furniture, etc., on platforms like Depop, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace.
If you’re into vintage stuff, you can do Vintage Reselling. Look for unique vintage pieces and sell them to collectors or fashion enthusiasts.
Lastly, if you’re creative, you can do DIY Upcycling. Turn old clothes into trendy, one-of-a-kind fashion pieces or home decor items.
Plant-Based Recipes: Cook Your Way to Profit
If you love cooking and experimenting with recipes, especially plant-based recipes, why not turn that passion into a business?
It’s a time commitment, but you can provide Meal Prep Services. You can offer plant-based meal prep services to busy professionals or families. If this is too much for you, you can sell plates, and people come pick them up. You can also host Cooking Classes. These can be virtual or in-person cooking classes to teach others how to make delicious plant-based meals. Lastly, you can create a Recipe E-Book. Put your favorite recipes into an e-book and sell it online.
Gardening: Using That Green Thumb for Green Cash
If you have a green thumb, here are some ways to turn your love for gardening into profit:
Start a small plant nursery and sell seedlings, herbs, or ornamental plants. You can also offer garden design and landscaping services to homeowners or businesses. Suppose you're more of a teacher than a doer. In that case, you can host Workshops and Classes to Teach others how to start their own gardens, focusing on sustainable practices.
The most apparent garden-related business is to grow organic fruits and vegetables. You can sell them at local farmers' markets or through a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. Lastly, if you're interested in gardening, start a Garden blog. Share your gardening tips and experiences through a blog or YouTube channel and monetize through ads or sponsorships.
I'm a baby gardener, and I recently subscribed to a Substack called "The Gardening Mind by Jo Thompson." If you're interested in gardening, I recommend you check that out.
Climate Marches: Turn Activism into Action
If you're passionate about climate activism, there are ways to make a difference and earn money.
You can design and sell sustainable merchandise like tote bags, t-shirts, or reusable water bottles.
If you're into planning and organizing, you can organize eco-friendly events or workshops focused on sustainability.
Lastly, you can do what I do. Start a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast about climate activism and monetize through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.
One disclaimer about these options is that you actually have to care about the climate, sustainability, and the environment. Don't just do it for the money; do it because you care. There are already a whole bunch of fakers who say that they care about the climate and promote sustainable products but don't actually care and are just doing it for the money. Don't be like them!
Community Engagement: Build a Sustainable Network
Community is essential, so building a community around your eco-friendly business is key to long-term success.
Partner with local businesses, schools, or nonprofits to host events or workshops.
Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok (if it’s still around), or Facebook to connect with like-minded individuals and promote your business.
Attend local farmers’ markets, sustainability fairs, or community clean-ups to meet potential customers and collaborators.
Overcoming Challenges
Starting an eco-friendly business is like starting any small business; it can come with its own set of challenges, but here’s how to overcome them:
If you struggle with time management, use a planner or calendar to stay organized and prioritize tasks.
Starting a business can be stressful, so lean on friends, family, or partners for support and encouragement.
Lastly, remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Take it one step at a time and celebrate small wins along the way.
Final Thoughts
Making money while saving the planet is not only possible—it’s also incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re flipping thrifted items, cooking delicious plant-based meals, or organizing climate marches, there’s a way for you to turn your passions into profits.
Are you willing to try one or some of these ideas out? Let’s chat in the comments, I would love to know your thoughts!
Has anyone noticed how hard it is to get a job? Unfortunately, we live in a capitalistic society which means we need money in order to do anything. That’s where I come in. In this video, I dive into how you can make money while saving the planet. Whether you’re into thrifting, cooking, or gardening, there’s a way for you to turn your passions into profit.
Thanks for reading and see you next Thursday!
Zenee Elisè