- Switching off the lights when not needed.
Putting your devices on “sleep mode” to avoid huge power drains.
Turning off your computers, printers, monitors, speakers, and other devices when not in use.
Adjusting your thermostat to save energy usage.
With more and more people switching from office-based to work-from-home setup nowadays, sustainability and eco-friendly practices also come into focus. Working from home has become an opportunity to lessen the negative impact of commuting and energy usage to the environment. If you’re one of the workers who are now enjoying the perks of working in the comfort of your own abode, then the following tips will help you stay green and make life more sustainable.
5 Tips for Eco-friendly Workplace
1. Utilize natural light
It is important to have a designated area for your home office. This is to ensure that you’ll be focused on your work and avoid noise and other disturbances. Choose a spot in your home where there is a lot of natural light. This way, you won’t need to use artificial lighting during the day. Natural light is also proven to enhance someone’s productivity level at work. Other studies also revealed that natural light can make you happier and healthier at work. It’s also relaxing to see the view outside when you position your desk next to the window.
2. Prepare home-made meals.
One of the perks of working from home is that you can enjoy the delicious taste of kitchen meals. You can now skip purchasing packaged snacks. Try to buy in bulk for more savings. Also, since you will now prepare homemade meals, you can lessen plastics and one-time use containers from eateries and food deliveries.
You can also start planting some fresh ingredients for your foods. It’s always great to have a sandwich and other snacks flavored with freshly picked greens and veggies from your garden. It’s also a wonderful chance for you to spend more time with your loved ones while sharing stories over meals.
3. Buy and use eco-friendly materials.
Did you know that an average office worker can produce almost two pounds of waste every single workday? That’s a huge amount in a month, right? Good thing that there are now various ways on how to improve work efficiency while reducing waste. Try to choose office supplies that are recyclable, biodegradable, and waste-free. Try reusing notebooks and other items instead of buying new ones. You can also save files in online storage to prevent having too many loads of hard copies. Always opt for sustainable materials whenever planning to add new supplies in your home office.
4. Make sure to adopt energy-saving habits.
There are various ways on how you can save energy while working from home. Some of these include, but not limited to:
5. Practice recycling and upcycling.
Recycling and upcycling are both useful and creative ways to keep a sustainable living while working from home. Not only can you reduce waste and become eco-friendly, but you can also save some money and time by practicing these processes.
Learn to recycle your paper. They can be turned into compost or can be turned into some other usable items. Use an outdoor compost bin for household waste.
Upcycling, on the other hand, can be applied to various items in your home office, too. Just a bit of creativity and you’ll have new useful things to use. Cardboards and boxes can be turned into file containers, vases, and desktop displays. Your old shirts can be made into bags and pillowcases.
Food packages can be turned into cute packaging and pouches. No need to buy new containers for your snacks and accessories; you can use the pouches instead.
Final Thoughts
Working from home contributes to reducing carbon footprint and other environmental concerns. You too can help in creating a more sustainable living while working in the comfort of your home.
Choosing to use eco-friendly materials and creating habits towards sustainability can make a better and greener future. You can start now! Make earth-friendly choices through living, shopping, and learning.
