3 Ways to Start a Career Helping the Environment
Do you want to make the world a better place, but you can't find the time? If you're tired of spending 40 hours a week on work that doesn't give back, maybe it's time for a change. Here are three ways you can make a career out of helping the planet.
Become an Environmental Consultant
Environmental consultants help clients like businesses, construction firms, and governments comply with regulations and lower their environmental impact.
- Environmental consultants have backgrounds in science, math, and engineering. To succeed as a consultant, you'll also need skills in business and communications.
- Most consultants work in a specific niche or specialty. Clearly defining and structuring your services avoids scope creep and makes it easier to set fair rates.
- Professional liability insurance is a critical part of a consultant's risk management strategy. These policies cover mistakes, delays, negligence, and other claims arising from a consulting business.
- No paperwork is required to start operating as a sole proprietorship. However, you will need to file a Schedule C along with your personal tax return.
Start a Sustainable Business
Sustainable and eco-friendly businesses span all industries, from retail and restaurants to manufacturers, builders, and more.
- You don't need experience to start a business, but it doesn't hurt to polish your skills via online courses in marketing, management, and more.
- Ideas for an eco-friendly startup include selling eco-friendly products, starting a green cleaning business, opening a pedal-powered food cart, or getting into sustainable packaging design.
- If you don't have the cash to finance your business, explore startup capital options like small business loans, personal loans, retirement accounts, and family and friends.
- Do you need an LLC to start a business? While not required, creating a business entity has benefits. An LLC protects your personal assets with fewer administrative requirements than other types of businesses.
Launch a Nonprofit Career
Environmental nonprofits lead the charge in the fight for conservation, climate action, clean air and water, and other important environmental issues.
- Business skills like human resources and IT are highly valued by nonprofits, but transitioning to a mission-driven career may require a mindset shift.
- Top-rated environmental nonprofits include advocacy organizations like the Sierra Club, conversation groups like Waterkeeper Alliance, and health and justice organizations like Environmental Working Group.
- Thinking of starting a nonprofit of your own? Learn what's involved in setting up your 501c(3) organization, securing funding, and staying compliant.
- Consider finding a fiscal sponsor as an alternative to a nonprofit. Fiscal sponsorship lets small organizations raise funds without the administrative burden of starting a nonprofit.
There's more than one path to a meaningful and sustainable career. Consider how your skills and experience align with these eco-friendly career paths. Do you have an analytical background, an entrepreneurial mindset, or the ability to rally others behind a mission? There could be an inspiring eco-friendly career waiting for you just around the corner.
by Phil for Humanity
on 12/18/2021