3 Easy Steps to Incorporate Sustainable Habits into Your Work-From-Home Routine
As the world continues to adjust to the new normal of remote working, it can be difficult to make sustainable habits part of your work from home routine.
However, by following these 3 simple steps, you can easily incorporate sustainable habits into your daily life while working from home. Not only will this make your work-from-home life more sustainable, but it will also benefit the environment.
Read on to learn more about how you can make your work from home routine more eco-friendly.
Understand the impact of your home office on the environment
While working from home offers convenience and flexibility, it’s important to understand the impact your home office can have on the environment. By being aware of the environmental consequences and taking steps to minimise them, you can make your work-from-home routine more sustainable.
One of the main environmental concerns related to working from home is energy consumption. The energy required to power your computer, monitor, and other office equipment can contribute to carbon emissions.
Additionally, heating or cooling your home office space can also have an environmental impact. An analysis from price comparison site Uswitch shows that remote workers use 75% more gas per day over the winter months and 25% more electricity than those in the officefive days a week. Being mindful of your energy usage and making small changes can help reduce yourcarbon footprint, and overall household bills.
Another aspect to consider is the waste generated by your home office. From printer paper to coffee cups, it’s easy to accumulate unnecessary waste. By embracing a paperless mindset and opting for reusable alternatives, such as digital documents and a reusable coffee mug, you can significantly reduce your waste production.
Additionally, take a moment to think about the materials used in your home office setup. Are your desk and chair made from sustainable materials? Consider investing in eco-friendly furniture options or repurposing existing items to minimise your environmental impact.
Understanding the impact of your home office on the environment is the first step towards incorporating sustainable habits into your work-from-home routine. By being mindful of your energy usage, reducing waste, and making eco-conscious choices, you can make a positive difference and create a more sustainable work environment.
Reduce your paper use
Reducing paper use is an important step in making your work-from-home routine more sustainable. In today’s digital age, there are numerous alternatives to traditional paper that can help minimise your environmental impact.
One of the easiest ways to reduce paper use is by embracing digital documents. Instead of printing out every email, memo, or report, opt for electronic versions. Use cloud storage platforms or document management software to organise and store your files digitally. Not only will this save paper, but it will also make your work more efficient and accessible.
If you still find the need to take physical notes, consider using a digital notebook or tablet. These devices allow you to write and save your notes digitally, eliminating the need for paper. Plus, you can easily organize and search for specific information, making it a more convenient option for work.
Alternatively, you can opt for a whiteboard pen friendly glass-top desk for your home office. These desks are ideal for jotting down notes and planning out daily and weekly tasks, as well as being easy to clean and reuse.
Another way to reduce paper waste is by going paperless in your communication. Instead of printing and mailing documents, opt for email or online collaboration tools. Use digital signatures to sign contracts and agreements, eliminating the need for printing and scanning.
Additionally, consider using electronic invoicing and online payment systems to minimise paper use in your financial transactions. These small changes may seem insignificant, but they can add up to make a big difference in reducing your overall paper consumption.
By reducing your paper use, you not only contribute to a greener environment but also create a moreorganised and efficient work environment.
Make smart choices for lighting
Working from home often means spending long hours at your desk, which makes lighting an important aspect to consider. The right lighting not only enhances productivity but also contributes to a sustainable work-from-home routine.
Firstly, consider utilising natural light whenever possible. Position your workstation near a window or in a well-lit area to make the most of natural daylight. Natural light has been proven to boost mood and productivity, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
When artificial lighting is necessary, opt for energy-efficient options such as LED bulbs. LED bulbs consume significantly less energy and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Not only will this save you money on energy bills, but it will also reduce your carbon footprint.
To further enhance energy efficiency, make use of task lighting. Rather than illuminating your entire workspace, use a desk lamp or adjustable lighting to focus the light exactly where you need it. This not only reduces energy waste but also helps create a cozy and personalised work environment.
Save energy with technology
When it comes to incorporating sustainable habits into your work-from-home routine, technology can be your ally. There are various ways in which you can use technology to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
Maintaining a cool or warm work environment during winter and summer months while keeping energy consumption down can be a real challenge. Opting for fans and heaters can with low energy ratings can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs.
Furthermore, using a desk with a built-in heater like the Okoform Miniöko Heated Electric Height Adjustable Desk can save you even more. It uses infrared technology and a heat deflector to direct the heat down towards your lower body to warm the user rather than the air. It’s also proven to be 90% cheaper to run than an average desk fan heater, using just 260 watts.
Firstly, consider investing in energy-efficient devices. Look for computers, monitors, and other office equipment that have Energy Star ratings. These devices are designed to consume less energy while still providing optimal performance. For example, Dell P2422H Full HD 24′′ WLED Monitor is ENERGY STAR certified as well as having an energy efficiency rating ‘C’, making it an efficient option to save onenergy bills. By using energy-efficient technology, you not only save money on your energy bills but also contribute to a greener environment.
Another way to save energy is by utilising power-saving settings. Adjust the settings on your computer and other devices to automatically go into sleep or standby mode when not in use. This ensures that they are not consuming unnecessary energy while you take breaks or attend meetings.
Additionally, consider using smart power strips. These power strips automatically turn off power to devices that are not in use, eliminating the phantom energy drain. This is especially useful for deviceslike printers and chargers that tend to consume energy even when they are not actively being used.
Motivation for work can sometimes wane when working from home, and energy-saving habits may seem less important. However, it’s important to stay motivated and conscious of your environmental impact. By using technology to save energy, you can both stay productive and contribute to a greener future.
