So you’ve decided you want to start your own business. Being an entrepreneur is a great way to take control of your life, make more money, and build up your reputation. But it can be a lot more than that. As a business owner, you also have the power to change the world.

The huge global corporations all have major effects on the planet, some of which are good, and many of which are negative. These titans of industry are often involved in charity and community projects, while simultaneously polluting the environment and speeding up climate change.

As a small startup, it’s unlikely that your actions will have such a huge part to play in shaping the world. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference. There are so many business ideas you could choose from that have the potential to help communities in need or preserve the natural world.

If you’re unsure where to begin, you might need a little inspiration to get started. To kick you off, here are a few business ideas that will make the world a better place.

Clean energy

As a planet, we are rapidly heading towards an environmental collapse. Greenhouse gas emissions are heating the planet and global warming could have far-reaching impacts on generations to come. We are already seeing the effects with rising sea levels, droughts, and wildfires across the globe. And it is predominantly large corporations that are to blame. Clean energy is one of the best tools in our arsenal when it comes to fighting climate change. If you can carve out a niche in this area and find a way to use clean technology for good, you will be helping to save planet Earth. Consider seeking out a tech consulting company to help you draw up a solar business plan.

Recycled goods

We are living in an incredibly materialistic world, in which people are quick to discard their belongings and replace them with the newest model. This leads to a great deal of waste, much of which ends up polluting the natural environment. Many companies have tried to put a stop to this by producing products that are made from recycled goods. This has a twofold benefit, as it reduces the amount of waste that goes into the earth and our oceans, while also putting less of a strain on our planet’s natural resources. 

There are so many examples of companies producing repurposed products, for example Batoko who create swimwear out of recycled plastic, and Suga, who sell yoga mats made out of used wetsuits.

Fitness products

The Covid-19 pandemic had a strange impact on fitness. For many people, the various lockdowns and distancing regulations meant they spent more time sitting at home and less staying active outside. This meant a lot of individuals found themselves putting on weight or eating unhealthily due to stress and anxiety. Yet on the other hand, other people found the motivation to turn their health around during the pandemic, using their limited outdoor time to go for runs and walks, or working out at home.

Physical and mental wellbeing are hugely important, and any company that can promote these ends in a friendly, non-judgmental way is undoubtedly a good thing. You could start up your own gym, exercise class program, or personal training business. You could even dabble in sports events or wearable fitness technology. The opportunities are endless.

Sustainable health food

A good diet is just as important as getting enough exercise. It’s so easy in this day and age to be tempted by the flashy advertising and low prices offered by the fast food conglomerates, but these meals are full of sugar and saturated fats. It’s no wonder that there is a consistent rise in childhood obesity and health problems like diabetes and heart disease.

Any food that offers health benefits to consumers while being both sustainable and affordable can be a great benefit to the wellbeing of many. This could be organic cereal bars, meat alternatives, or healthy ready meals for the busy working professional. Not only will these items offer people a nutritious food option, but promoting a good diet also takes some of the strain away from the healthcare industry. 

These four options are just a select few of the myriad business ideas you could choose from. As long as you have your heart in the right place and the motivation to see your plan through to completion, you have the potential to make a big change in this world.