Working from home has become a new norm for many of us and with it comes the opportunity to reduce our personal environmental impact. Whether you’re remote full-time or hybrid, here’s how you can make your home workspace a more sustainable one. From saving energy to sipping sustainably brewed coffee, these practical tips help you make a difference without leaving the house.
Energy Efficiency: Power Down Without Slowing Down
Your home office doesn’t need to guzzle energy. Try these simple hacks:
Natural Light First: Set up your desk near a window to cut down on artificial lighting.
Switch It Off: Turn off laptops, monitors, and chargers when not in use. Smart power strips can cut “vampire” standby power.
Go Efficient: Look for energy-efficient equipment with certifications like Energy Star.
Heating Hacks:
Layer up or try a heated blanket instead of turning on the heating.
Only heat the room you’re working in.
Drop the thermostat by just one degree, it can make a big impact over time.
Low-Impact Tech Use: Digital, but Greener
Our digital habits have a footprint too, but small tweaks go a long way.
Choose Green Cloud Providers: Some cloud storage services run on renewable energy.
Smarter Video Calls: If video isn’t essential, turn it off to reduce energy and data usage.
Digital Declutter: Old files and emails take up space and energy. A regular clear-out helps reduce server demand.
Waste Reduction: Cut the Clutter
A tidy (and waste-free) workspace is good for the planet and your focus.
Say No to Single-Use: Choose reusable mugs, bottles, and containers.
Go Paperless: Use digital notes, sign documents electronically, and print only when necessary.
Recycle Right: Understand your local recycling rules and keep a small recycling bin near your desk for convenience.
Sustainable Eating & Drinking: Fuel Yourself Mindfully
What’s on your plate (or in your mug) has an environmental impact too.
Low-Carbon Lunches: Go plant-based more often and reduce food waste.
Shop Local & Seasonal: Support local growers or join a veg box scheme.
Mindful Drinks: Opt for Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee and tea. Ditch single-use pods and plastic sachets.
Responsible Purchasing: Make Every Buy Count
Everything you bring into your home office matters.
Buy Less, Choose Well: Avoid impulse purchases. Can it be repaired or reused?
Sustainable Stationery: Recycled paper, refillable pens, and eco supplies go a long way.
Eco-Friendly Furniture: Need a new desk or chair? Try second-hand marketplaces or seek out sustainably made items.
Wellbeing & Balance: Sustainable You = Sustainable Planet
A sustainable lifestyle supports both your mental and physical health.
Take Green Breaks: Get outside, tend to your plants, or simply open the window for fresh air.
Move Often: Use a standing desk, take walks, or stretch regularly.
Eco-Mindfulness: Pause now and then to reflect on your habits, sustainable living starts with awareness.
Water & Resources: Use Every Drop Wisely
Water use often goes unnoticed at home but small changes can save a lot.
Turn Off Taps: While brushing your teeth or washing a mug, save every drop.
Efficient Laundry: Wash full loads, choose eco cycles, and line-dry your clothes.
Boil What You Need: Only heat the water you’ll use filling the kettle to the brim wastes energy.
Use Rainwater: Install a water butt to collect rainwater for watering plants.
Track & Improve: Your Personal Sustainability Challenge
Keep growing your impact by tracking your progress and setting goals.
Try Personal Challenges: Go plastic-free for a week or try a “low energy” workday.
Know Your Footprint: Use tools from the WWF to measure and reduce your emissions. https://footprint.wwf.org.uk/
Inspire Others: Share tips with colleagues, start a sustainability chat group, or lead a green initiative in your team.
Final Thoughts
Working from home gives you unique control over your daily habits. With just a little effort, you can shrink your environmental impact and boost your wellbeing in the process. Sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about making better choices, one step at a time.
Ready to make your business more sustainable?
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your strategy to the next level, we can help. From tailored consultancy to practical training, we work with businesses of all sizes to embed sustainability into every journey.
Get in touch with Sam Cande, Consultancy Director at 360 Consulting by Greengage, to explore how we can support your sustainability goals and help your organisation travel with purpose.
📩 Email: sam.cande@greengage.solutions
🌍 Learn more: https://www.greengage.solutions/360-sustainability-consultants/
