Home-working is truly here to stay. More and more businesses are opting to close their offices and move to solely remote working. With more time at home you have much more control over how you work and the choices you make both for yourself and your business. Things like not making your daily commute will have already had an affect on your carbon footprint and made you more sustainable but there is so much you can do.

1. Use Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Did you know that the average office worker generates about 2 pounds of waste every day? Fortunately, you have the power to reduce this! Using eco-friendly office supplies that are either waste free or biodegradable is a great option. 

Swap paper notebooks for online documents. Biodegradable pens made from recycled materials are a more sustainable choice. Office accessories are great for keeping you organised and your space appealing but many are made from plastic, choosing to buy items made from materials like bamboo is significantly better for the environment. Bamboo decomposes quicker than plastic and is just as sturdy. 

2. Switch to Eco-Friendly Suppliers

In the rush of a normal workday in the office, sitting down and considering the vendors and suppliers you work with is probably not a priority. Now that you have a little more time to think outside the box why not consider switching to suppliers who work sustainably or offer eco-friendly products. Long term this will stand to your business.

3. Reduce Energy Consumption

Reducing the brightness on your computer monitor can save up to 20% of the monitor's energy. Less energy equals less strain on the environment, and also less strain on your eyes too!

Adjusting your thermostat 2 degrees up in the summer and 2 degrees down in the winter can save up to 2,000lbs of carbon dioxide per year! Alternatively, you could use an energy efficient thermostat that conserves energy automatically. Devises like Nest programs itself to save energy. It learns the temperatures you like and create a schedule that saves electricity and money. How cool is that?

4. Turn off the lights

Make the most of natural light in your workspace, if possibly within your space move your desk closer to a window. This will not only reduce wasted energy powering lights but will improve your mood, promise!

5. Unplug

Unplugging electronic devices that aren't in use is a must! This could mean unplugging things like your mobile phone charger, computer or laptop, microwave or television when you aren't using them.

6. Recycling Routine

Make time to get into a recycling routine. Recycling often gets neglected after long days at the office and commuting. Now that you have a little bit more time at home why not spend a few minutes a day cleaning out containers properly and separating correctly.

7. Cook from Scratch

Why not try making homemade lunches from scratch. With no need to grab a quick bite on the go, try to cut back on purchasing individually packaged lunches and buy groceries in bulk when you can.

8. Support your Local Community

Although not necessarily a sustainability concern, spending more time home in your local community means you can spend more money in your local community. Why not opt to spend in the small green grocer or independent rather than in larger chain stores. Shopping at small local shops, supports the local community and encourages a circular, small economy.

If you have any tips or advice about how we can all lead a more sustainable life while working from home please do let us know below, we would love to hear from you.