10 Things You Can Do
Many people work from home either part or all of each day. However, this convenience does have some consequences to your wallet and the planet.
Leaving the lights on, computer running for 8+ hours and AC pumping all day can affect your utility costs. Have you noticed an increase in your monthly electric bill since spending more time in your home office? Here's what you can do.
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Turn off lights when you leave a room.
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Keep the television off.
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Turn off ceiling fans in rooms you’re not occupying (fans cool skin, not the air).
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Make your lunch and get some fresh air instead of driving to take out.
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Always print double-sided and reuse single sided paper when it’s appropriate; also, make sure you buy recycled paper.
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Open windows instead of turning on AC, or wear warmer clothes instead of blasting the heat.
There are some inherent advantages of working at home to be conscious of as well:
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Skipping a long commute to work? Lump appointments with your errands to reduce your greenhouse gas even more.
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Use your own mug instead of paper cups for coffee and drinks.
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Eat meals on plates, use real silverware and you get bonus points using cloth napkins over paper.
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Choose a coffee pot over single-use coffee and tea pods.
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The packaging is recyclable.
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There is no secondary packaging (box, etc).
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The ingredients are certified organic or plant-based.
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Their operation minimizes waste.
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The culture respects employees.
Hopefully these tips inspire you to think twice before plugging something in, turning on an appliance or throwing something out. Whether you work from home or not, you can implement these habits to conserve energy and help the planet! Look for a similar philosophy in your brands.
Thank you to our guest blogger, Kelly Steyn. Kelly is a realtor who is vegan and super conscious about the carbon footprint we all make. For more advice or tips for making your home healthy and efficient, please contact her at kelly@PhillyLiving.com or 484-343-2406.