Suggested Sustainable Enterprises and Networks

This is a broad overview of green enterprises that could be started and maintained without extensive capital investment. Some enterprises work within existing urban areas. Others could be part of new model eco-villages in rural areas. These integrate education and entrepreneurship and let interns and students see enterprises in action and learn to create and maintain their own.
Goods, services and know-how will be shared through proposed and existing networks.

Create businesses and teaching or consulting services in the following areas:

Fresh and preserved plant production: horticulture and garden design, fruit and vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, bulbs, syrup, tofu and soy products, baby food, sauces, soups, fresh and dried herbs, herbal remedies, cosmetics and scents such as patchouli oil.

Animals: livestock and pets to sell or raised for eggs, meat, feathers, honey, wool, fur, silk, dairy products, pond fish, pest control such as ladybugs, musk deer for scent products

Natural fertilizers: vermiculture, compost, manure

Renewable fuels and energy: make, sell and install windmills, solar panels, generators, stills and other fuel-making equipment.
Make and market biodiesel, alcohol fuel and methane.

Green building design, service and materials supply: straw bales, adobe bricks, recycled building materials, bamboo, cob, grancrete, renewable lumber

Natural fiber products: clothing, blankets, rugs, and hammocks made from wool, cotton, hemp, cork, silk and other fibers; plastic and paper made from kenaf and other plants

Clothing: make clothing and the clothing machines, such as sewing machines and looms

Handmade items: bookbinding, soap, candles, utensils, scents, ceramics, furniture, woodworking, glassblowing, crafts, graphic design, fine arts, sculpture, jewelry, photography, tools, animal tack and saddles

Culinary arts: cooking on woodstoves, campfires, solar ovens.

Build and maintain transport items: boats, bicycles, scooters, baby carriers, car repairs

Ecosystem maintenance: forests, seashores, watersheds and other natural environments

Publishing: create and disseminate video documentaries, books, periodicals, web sites

Journalism; writing articles, pamphlets, books, etc. for dissemination of info and creativity

Computers: telecommuting, create networks and databanks, software services, repair computers design websites, internet search

Pet supplies: organic pet food, natural cat litter, leashes, collars, dog sweaters, horse blankets

Elder care and child care: Seniors keep active with involvement in the enterprises and in childcare. People of all ages help care for seniors needing extra care

Health and wellness treatments and retreats: nurse practitioner clinics, midwife clinics, training and services in acupuncture, nutrition, chiropractic and other healing arts

Ecotourism, retreats and recreation: rejuvenation retreats, dude ranches, farm tours, pick your own food parties, small animal petting zoos, holiday activities with hayrides and animal rides

Fitness/athletics: Pilates, Yoga, Feldenkrais, etc. Orienteering, Survival skills, hiking, backpacking

Networking resource center: also a café for music, videos, performance, art exhibition

Curriculum Development: Design lessons and units for teachers, home schooling, or compilation into teaching unit curricula.

Educational camps: Urban kids to live close to nature and learn sustainable practices such as organic farming, composting, and permaculture. Animals and nature experiences help disturbed or disabled children and adults.

Schools and training programs: Create and teach courses that give community college, university and high school credit. Integrate academic learning with sustainable living skills. Offer certificates, internships and apprenticeships.

Teach small business management: Give training in skills such as accounting, marketing, taxes, legal, e-commerce and writing business plans.

Miscellaneous: surveying, map reading, navigating with GPS, first aid training, fire technology, cooperative games for community building