How to Earn Money with Environment & Sustainability Work

Best Side Hustles in Canada to Earn Money with Environment & Sustainability Work

If you are passionate about the environment and want to make extra income, sustainability-focused side hustles in Canada are both rewarding and impactful. Here are some of the best ways to earn money while promoting environmental sustainability:

1. Eco-Friendly Products Reseller

Platforms: Etsy, Shopify, Local Markets

Selling eco-friendly, sustainable products such as reusable bags, bamboo cutlery, organic skincare, and zero-waste products is a profitable and meaningful side hustle.

How to get started:

• Source environmentally friendly products from local artisans or wholesalers.
• Set up an online store on platforms like Etsy or Shopify.
• Participate in local farmers' markets or eco-friendly fairs.

Potential earnings: $500–$2,000+ per month, depending on the scale of operations.

2. Recycling Collection Service

Target Audience: Residential areas, local businesses

Offer to collect recyclables like bottles, cans, and electronics for people who don’t have easy access to recycling centers or don’t have time to manage it themselves.

How to get started:

• Advertise your services in local communities.
• Partner with local recycling centers.
• Charge a fee for pick-up or earn money through bottle deposit returns.

Potential earnings: $15–$25 per hour or based on recycling quantities.

3. Sustainable Gardening and Landscaping

Target Audience: Homeowners, businesses

Offer organic, sustainable gardening services, such as creating native plant gardens, organic vegetable gardens, or eco-friendly landscaping.

How to get started:

• Advertise your gardening services in your community or online.
• Specialize in native plants or organic practices to attract eco-conscious clients.
• Offer seasonal services like composting, xeriscaping, or sustainable irrigation systems.

Potential earnings: $20–$50 per hour, depending on the project size.

4. Composting Business

Target Audience: Residential and small businesses

Set up a composting service where you collect organic waste from households or businesses and turn it into compost. You can then sell the compost to gardeners, farmers, or landscapers.

How to get started:

• Build or buy composting bins to start collecting organic waste.
• Promote your services in your local community.
• Sell the compost or use it for urban gardening projects.

Potential earnings: $300–$1,000+ per month, depending on your client base and compost production.

5. Energy Auditing

Target Audience: Homeowners, landlords, businesses

Become a part-time energy auditor to help homes and businesses reduce their carbon footprint. This can include inspecting insulation, windows, HVAC systems, and energy consumption patterns.

How to get started:

• Get certified as an energy auditor in Canada.
• Market your services to local homeowners or businesses.
• Provide recommendations for improving energy efficiency and reducing costs.

Potential earnings: $200–$500 per audit.

6. Urban Farming and Organic Produce Sales

Target Audience: Local markets, restaurants, community-supported agriculture (CSA)

Urban farming is gaining popularity in Canadian cities. Grow organic vegetables, herbs, or mushrooms in your backyard or on a small plot, and sell the produce at local farmers' markets or through CSAs.

How to get started:

• Start small with container gardening or use your yard to grow vegetables.
• Sell through local farmers' markets or CSAs.
• Partner with restaurants or health-conscious consumers interested in organic produce.

Potential earnings: $500–$2,500+ per month, depending on scale and demand.

7. Eco-Tourism Guide

Target Audience: Tourists, schools, nature enthusiasts

If you live near a natural reserve, park, or coastline, consider becoming an eco-tourism guide. You can offer guided nature walks, bird watching, educational tours, or even eco-friendly outdoor adventures.

How to get started:

• Get necessary permits and certifications to operate in protected areas.
• Create eco-tourism packages that highlight local flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.
• Promote your services on social media, tourism platforms, or through partnerships with local hotels.

Potential earnings: $100–$300 per tour, depending on the group size.

8. Sustainability Consultant

Target Audience: Small businesses, non-profits, schools

Offer sustainability consulting services to help businesses or institutions reduce their environmental impact by adopting green practices such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable sourcing.

How to get started:

• Build expertise in sustainability strategies or get certified.
• Reach out to local businesses or organizations looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
• Offer detailed sustainability assessments and action plans.

Potential earnings: $50–$100+ per hour or $1,000+ per project.

9. Upcycling and Repurposing Goods

Platforms: Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, local craft markets

Turn discarded or old materials into new, creative items such as furniture, home decor, or art, and sell them online or at local craft fairs.

How to get started:

• Collect items like pallets, old clothes, or discarded furniture to repurpose.
• Use basic tools and creativity to upcycle materials into unique pieces.
• Market your products as eco-friendly alternatives to new items.

Potential earnings: $20–$500+ per item, depending on the material and complexity.

10. Teaching Environmental Workshops

Target Audience: Schools, community groups, businesses

Offer workshops or courses on environmental topics such as zero-waste living, sustainable agriculture, recycling, and energy conservation. You can teach in-person or through online webinars.

How to get started:

• Design workshop content around environmental topics.
• Reach out to schools, community centers, or businesses to offer classes.
• Promote your workshops online and offer free sessions to build a reputation.

Potential earnings: $50–$200+ per workshop.

Conclusion

Canada’s growing focus on sustainability opens up many opportunities to turn your passion for the environment into a profitable side hustle. Whether you’re selling eco-friendly products, offering sustainability consulting, or growing organic produce, these side hustles allow you to earn income while making a positive impact on the planet.