As we transition towards the new norm, which involves a significant shift towards work from home (WFH) practices, there is an increasing need to make our spaces more sustainable, exercising both efficiency and eco-friendliness. In this transformative time, sustainable office accessories have emerged, not only to enhance productivity but also to minimize the environmental impact.
The ethical choice of integrating sustainable office accessories for WFH setups can significantly lower your carbon footprint. This article brings forth a comprehensive guide on an array of sustainable office accessories that make a difference to both your professional life and the planet.
Ergonomic Furniture Designed from Sustainable Materials
Ergonomic furniture made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials offers a great start for your sustainable WFH setup. Not only does it promote productivity by improving comfort and preventing health problems, but also minimizes environmental degradation.
Brands like Emeco uphold eco-friendly practices, creating chairs from recycled aluminium. Another noteworthy brand is Herman Miller, renowned for its eco-designed office chairs. Their products, like the famous Aeron Chair, are up to 94% recyclable and comprise 39% recycled content.
Cork Boards for Eco-Friendly Notes
Swap your regular paper notebooks with cork boards. These not only last longer, but they’re also made from a renewable resource – the bark of cork oak trees, which grow back every 9 years. These boards ensure your messages and notes are visible at first glance, thereby enhancing productivity while promoting sustainability.
Sustainable Stationery
Paper, pens, and markers form the bulk of our office supplies. Reducing the environmental impact can be achieved by swapping conventional stationery with sustainable alternatives. Opt for recycled paper notebooks, such as those offered by Decomposition Book, having 100% post-consumer-waste recycled pages.
When it comes to pens and markers, numerous brands manufacture products from recycled materials. For instance, Pilot’s B2P (Bottle to Pen) Gel Roller pens are created from recycled plastic bottles. Similarly, AusPen’s refillable whiteboard markers help reduce plastic waste.
LED and Solar-Powered Desk Lamps
Harnessing solar or LED technology for lighting can significantly reduce electricity consumption. LED desk lamps, such as those by TaoTronics, use around 80% less energy than traditional bulbs while lasting around 40 times longer.
Alternatively, you can opt for solar-powered desk lamps. Flexible charging options allow them to function efficiently even during the cloudy or winter season.
Sustainable Tech Accessories
Eco-friendly tech products like solar chargers, recycled plastic mice, or keyboards can add more sustainability to your home office setup. Consider products like Logitech’s K750 Solar Wireless Keyboard or Voltaic’s solar chargers.
Air-Purifying Indoor Plants
Incorporating indoor plants boosts productivity, enhances mood, and purifies the air. Instead of synthetic air fresheners, opt for Spider Plants, Snake Plants, or English Ivy that naturally improve air quality.
Reusable Water Bottles and Coffee Mugs
Switching to premium quality reusable bottles for your hydration needs can cut down on plastic wastage. Materials like stainless steel, such as those used by Hydro Flask or Klean Kanteen, are not only sturdy but also resistant to bacteria and do not leach harmful chemicals.
For your caffeine needs, consider brands like KeepCup, which offers barista-standard reusable coffee cups in varied sizes. They are also a great choice if you tend to get your coffee from outside as many cafes offer a discount for customers who bring their cups.
High-Quality Insulated Lunch Boxes
For healthy and eco-friendly meals, choose lunch boxes made from stainless steel. They are easy to clean, resistant to staining and bacteria, and free from harmful chemicals. Brands like LunchBots and Planetbox offer stainless steel options that are both stylish and practical.
Active Waste Management
Try to incorporate compost bins for organic waste and separate bins for recycling in your workspace. This helps to reduce landfill waste and encourages a more sustainable lifestyle.
Remember that every sustainable choice counts in our quest for reducing environmental damage. By opting for sustainable office accessories, we’re not just investing in higher productivity while working from home, but also taking a step forward in our commitment to sustainable living. Savvy home office upgrades, done sustainably, can make this new norm work efficiently for us and the planet.
