As someone who believes in aligning our daily habits with our values, I’ve been thinking about what it means to really work from home sustainably. In honor of Earth month, here are ways to reduce your environmental footprint while creating a space that supports your body, mind, and the planet - all while working from home!
1. Embrace Natural Light
Relying on daylight reduces electricity use and boosts your mood. Position your desk near a window, open the blinds fully, and take calls outside when you can.
2. Reduce Energy Vampires
Unplug electronics when you’re not using them. Use a smart power strip that shuts off standby power. Shut down your computer at night. Small shifts lead to big impact especially over months of remote work.
3. Eat Lower-Waste Meals
Work-from-home lunch is a golden opportunity to skip plastic packaging. Plan ahead with bulk-bought staples, leftovers, or easy whole food meals. Compost food scraps or start a windowsill herb garden with veggie cuttings.
4. Drink Sustainably
Tea is my daily ritual, but even that can be more earth-friendly. Choose loose-leaf tea over bagged (some tea bags contain plastic), and steep in a reusable strainer. For an energizing boost, try an adaptogenic blend in a reusable to-go cup.
5. Rethink Your Home Office
Before buying something new, ask yourself: Can I repurpose something I already have? When you do buy, opt for sustainable brands or secondhand finds. Craigslist/ Facebook Marketplace has wonderful gems!
Working from home gives us the power to create sustainable systems that nurture both the planet and ourselves. Let your home office be a reflection of the future you want to see!
