Eco-friendly Ways To Make Money From Your Spare Land

Julie Starr • September 29, 2021



Own some land that you’d like to make money from? There are many profitable options to consider – however some of them aren’t particularly green. For example, turning an empty pasture into a pay-to-park car park could be a way of making money, but it’s not very eco-friendly.

Fortunately, there are still ways to make money from land while maintaining a positive impact on the environment. Below are a few eco-friendly ways to make money from your spare land. 

A sports field

A sports field could be rented out to sports clubs to make money. At the same time, it could have environmental benefits – grass helps to produce oxygen. In fact, a 50ft square lawn produces enough oxygen to meet the daily oxygen requirements of a family of four humans.

Maintaining a sports field does come with its fees. You’ll need to hire a specialist lawn service such as this one run by Charles Zsebik in order to make sure that your sports field is in good condition to play on. You’ll also need to consider what other facilities you’re willing to offer to clubs.

A sustainable timber farm

Trees are great for combating carbon emissions – the average tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen per year. A sustainable timber farm involves planting trees, cutting them down for timber and then planting new trees in place of the old ones. 

You can make a lot of money selling timber while not contributing to deforestation. Just be wary of the fact that it can take a while for trees to mature – if you’re planting new tree saplings, you may have to wait 20 or 30 years before you can harvest them for timber. 

An orchard

An orchard could allow you to make money by selling fruit grown on trees. The trees will help to provide oxygen and support local wildlife – and you won’t have to chop them down.

Apples, pears, walnuts, almonds, chestnuts, peaches, pomegranates and cherries are just some of the fruit and nuts typically grown in orchards. 

A wind/solar farm

Your spare land could be used to generate sustainable electricity such as wind power or solar power. You can make money by selling this power to local energy suppliers while helping to reduce fossil fuel energy.

A wind farm or solar farm can require a large investment upfront – in fact, you may have to seek funding from venture capitalists. However, wind farms and solar farms require minimal maintenance and can be very profitable in the long run. 

A community garden

You could turn your land into a community garden . This allows local people to rent out space for gardening. Community gardens are very popular in densely populated urban areas where many people may not have backyards. They can also produce oxygen and support local wildlife.

You’ll have to make sure that the community garden is secured and well maintained. However, generally speaking, you shouldn’t have to pour too much money into it.

A Greener Supply Chain with Micro Fulfillment

By Julie Starr • May 23, 2025
A sustainable supply chain is made possible with some major shifts and minor changes that you may not consider at first. One of these is micro fulfillment, where strategically placed warehouses provide streamlined services to a smaller area. So, what are some of the benefits of changing your logistics? From consolidated deliveries to minimal eco-impact, here are a few. Closer Customer Proximity There are a few ways that micro fulfillment centers are revolutionizing the courier industry. Reduced emissions, local sourcing, and support for urban stability are just three of the many examples. Compact logistics are quickly becoming a solution for businesses that want to make a difference, and through small warehouse space for rent , as and when needed, environmental footprints are diminishing as companies deliver services and goods to a smaller customer area. Consolidated Delivery Options Efficiency is everything in business, but it is even more critical when a company is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Through a micro-fulfillment system, a business is able to reduce the overall number of trips that a courier has to make. With consolidated deliveries concentrated in a smaller geographic area, there are many more options available that contribute to a lower impact, including efficient use of fuel for lower emissions. A Greener Supply Chain with Route Efficiency A company can make many changes when becoming the green link in the supply chain for a healthier logistical operation. However, an average home delivery round for a standard courier service is 50 miles, with 0.42 miles between each drop-off, producing 181g of carbon each. Focusing on a smaller area through micro fulfillment reduce the associated issues with couriers: Being closer to delivery routes reduces the need for extra shipping options. Electric delivery vehicles can be used as there is no need to recharge them. Knowledge of the area helps with routes as drivers can avoid congested areas. Lower Environmental Impact Of course, all efforts to go green and become more sustainable through logistics are to reduce the environmental impact that a business has on the area. Micro fulfillment contributes to this in a way that a wider operation cannot. Shorter routes and enhanced inventory management actively reduce waste. There is also much less energy used, as micro fulfillment centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and EVs and less transport contribute to emission reduction. Enhanced Socioeconomic Benefits There is also a social and economic impact of a business. An enhanced and more sustainable business using local micro fulfillment centers instantly creates more jobs, helping to prop up the local economy. Of course, the efficiency of this type of logistical operation also results in happier customers, increasing the chance of repeat business. From a business perspective, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing sustainability , appealing to eco-conscious customers. Summary Being closer to customers for delivery helps create a greener supply chain when used with micro fulfillment centers. Local couriers and employees also know the area and can avoid congested areas for streamlined operations. However, there are also social and economic benefits such as job creation, improved customer experiences, and enhanced brand reputation.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.