There are a number of ways that you can start making money from the green or renewable energy sector. Whether it is by starting a new green business or investing in an existing company or market, the financial rewards can be great and the environmental benefits are sure to leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling. The green economy has grown from its purely ideological origins to a position where it is now a serious money earner for a number of individuals and organisations around the world.
There are many ways to get started in a green energy business, however, these are the major categories that contribute the most in terms of market share to the green energy sector in the U.K and the U.S.A.
Being such a high growth sector with so much potential for future expansion, these categories only represent the largest and most successful fields in the current green economy. Just like starting any business, it is a good idea to get involved in a field where you can use your personal strengths and utilize your own life experience. With the current speed that the green sector is growing around the world, almost every field of industry will soon have room for the incorporation of green ideas and practices. The increasing awareness of green issues in society means that sponsorship and grants are also a possibility when starting a new green business, either through the private sector or offered by a government body.
Investing in traded stocks is probably the easiest way to get involved in the green economy, and with total freedom in terms of size, scale and scope of investment, this is an option that is suitable for almost anyone. There are lots of publicly traded green energy companies, both on a large global and a small local scale. The solar and wind energy industries both have a number of large profitable companies that could make good potential recipients for your investment money.
The traditional petroleum companies have become key investors in the green energy revolution. While they obviously have a huge stake in fossil fuel technologies, they also have the infrastructure and influence to diversify into the areas surrounding green power. The major petroleum companies are involved in solar power, wind power, bio-fuels and natural gas among others. Some investors may have a problem investing in the petroleum industry and what it represents, however, there is no doubt that many of them hold a large stake in the future of green energy.
There are a number of green energy exchange trade funds (ETFs) that are especially suitable for short and long term investment. A few of the larger and more trust worthy green oriented mutual funds are a good place to start.
As well as specific funds that invest in green technology, there are also many socially and environmentally responsible funds that invest into traditional stocks if they meet certain criteria. The Social Investment Forum is a good place to start if you want to track down and invest through some of these groups.
The areas surrounding the green economy are becoming larger every year, and the demand for renewable energy solutions and sustainable building and manufacturing practices is only going to increase in the future. Investment into green technology and renewable energy is a good way to make money right away while also doing your bit for the environment. Whether you are planning on starting a new business or investing in an already existing company or market, it makes more and more sense all the time to look at some of the green energy investment alternatives.