GREEN ACRE$ Top 10 Green Biz to start right now.

Make big bucks
while helping
the environment!

Fuel Saving Tips
(www.fueleconomy.gov)

• Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas.

• Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car’s gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.

• Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will protect your engine.

• Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones.

• An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2%.

• If you own more than one vehicle, drive the one that gets the best gas mileage whenever possible.

• Consider telecommuting (working from home) if your employer permits it.

• Consider using public transit if it is available and convenient for you.

• A loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent.

• If possible, take advantage of carpools and ride-share programs.

Today’s consumers are looking for green products and service enterprises.

According to GreenAmerica Today.org, ‘green’ businesses operate in ways that solve, rather than cause, both environmental and social problems. It's a win-win opportunity.

These businesses adopt principles, policies, and practices that improve the quality of life for their customers, their employees, communities, and the environment.

Entrepreneurs should factor eco-friendly offerings into their current mix. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best green biz to get into right now. Something for everyone.

GREEN CLEANING
Homeowners and apartment dwellers alike are rejecting harsh chemical cleaners in the home and business environment as well. Start a Green Clean venture:

Chem-Dry
This Green Certified carpet and upholstery cleaning franchisor has been introducing ecologically friendly products into their service offerings over the past 20 years!
Carpet cleaners and customers have been looking for a green carpet cleaning service and Chem-Dry can deliver.

Based in Logan, Utah, the company has been in business since 1977 and there are more than 2300 franchised units. You can start a Chem-Dry business with $8495 down. The rest of the $20k-$50k can be financed with 0% interest.

Visit www.chemdryfranchise.com to learn more about the opportunity.

Steamatic, Inc.
Provides green cleaning and disaster recovery services using a patented hot water extraction method of cleaning. The company offers many other types of services as well. Learn more at www.steamatic.com. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, the company offers all training and follow-up support.

The Hygienic Home offers homeowners a single source for all of their green cleaning needs. Safe products that leave no harsh irritants or residue. Help homeowners eliminate germs, allergens and other harmful contaminants. Visit www.thehygienichome.com. The company is in Hackensack, New Jersey. Check it out.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
This is a rapidly growing market as consumers seek to capitalize on energy efficiency to lower their costs.

Smartview Window Solutions
For a $30k investment, entrepreneurs can start a home/mobile-based window tinting business. The products meet the demand for energy efficiency, heat rejection, and UV rejection. Train at the Midlothian, Illinois headquarters. No experience needed. Visit www.moranindustries.com.

USA Insulation franchisees help homeowners realize up to 50% off their heating and air conditioning bills. The company specializes in meeting the ever-increasing energy efficiency needs of older residential homes through their patented and exclusive USA Premium Foam Insulation. Startup ranges from $75k-$120k. Visit www.usainsulation.net/franchise to learn more.

LANDSCAPE & LAWN CARE
Ecologically savvy lawn care services are booming as homeowners don’t want to pour chemicals onto their lawns especially if they have children or pets. Consider:

Spray Green Landscape Service offers a lawn care business opportunity that involves a unique, organic liquid fertilization process for lawns, plants and trees. To get a free DVD to learn more, visit www.spraygreen.net or call 888-59-GREEN.

Nutri-Lawn, Inc.
The Ontario, Canada based company has been in biz since 1985 offering eco-friendly lawn care. Startup ranges from $40k to $60k. All training and support included. Visit www.nutrilawn.com to learn more or call 800/313-4253 or 416/620-7100.

Spring-Green Lawn Care
The company uses traditional and organic products on lawns and trees. Based in Plainfield, Illinois, the franchisor program requires $40k-$60k startup cash. Visit www.springgreenfranchise.com to learn more.

HEALTHY HOME EXPERT
Start a business helping homeowners Go Green! Here are a few businesses for you to consider:

Oreck Clean Home Center was launched by entrepreneurial genius David Oreck in 1979 in New Orleans. You can start a center that sells eco products to enhance any home environment. Products include HEPA filtered vacuums, air purifiers, multi-purpose floor cleaning items and a complete line of environmentally-sound cleaning products. Visit www.ownanoreckstore.com to get complete information. The startup cash required is $30k.

Aerus Franchising helps teach families how to create a healthy home living environment. Franchisees provide healthy floor care options, air and water purification systems and other home environmental service products. Visit www.aerusfranchising.com to learn more about the Dallas, Texas company.

WASTE CONSULTING SERVICES
Environmental Waste Solutions
Waste is a $50 billion industry. You earn an income by helping your clients reduce their costs on waste disposal and recycling. The one time startup investment is $25,900. To learn more visit www.environmental-waste.com and earn a six-figure income while helping businesses become more green.

MOVING & SHIPPING SUPPLIES
Why not make all of the boxes and
shipping supplies that accompany moving, eco-friendly? It's agreat idea.

EcoBox A green concept that offers the largest selection of new and recycled moving and shipping supplies at the lower possible cost; consumers save money and help the planet at the same time. Startup begins at $30k. Contact the Austin, Texas-based company by visiting www.ecobox.com.

CARTRIDGE REFILL
Inkjet and laser toner catridges cost a small fortune to replace. Why not help the environment and save a bundle by having these containers refilled? Start a business selling new and remanufactured ink and toner cartridges to retail and commercial customers. This is a $30+ billion industry.

Rapid Refill Corp. can help you start this business. They are based in Chanhassen, Minnesota and offer a franchise program to teach you all phases of the business. The startup capital ranges from $35k-$50k. Visit www.rapidrefillink.com to learn more about the opportunity.

SOLAR POWER
Harness the energy of the sun. Yes! Solar Solutions provides proprietary solar modules and other products. Ideal for residential and commercial customers. The startup capital ranges from $30k-$50k. Visit www.yessolarsolutions.com to read more. The company is based in Roseville, California.

RUBBISH REMOVAL
1-800-MR. RUBBISH offers environmentally friendly rubbish removal. The company, based in Brooklyn, New York, recycles metal, plastic, paper and cardboard with the world’s first hybrid electric trucks with zero emissions. The startup costs begin at $77.6k Training is provided. Visit www.1800rubbish.com to learn how you can get started.

SELL GREEN PRODUCTS
You can start your own mail order catalog or website offering green products. Take a look at www.greenandmore.com to get an idea of the types of products that are available. You can choose to specialize in one area or offer a broad product range. •