Eco home office

Part 2

This article continues with ways to set yourself up with an eco home office. Try out these methods - they are simple to do & most of them are about breaking habits and adapting your lifestyle just a little to the left!

Take the plug out of your printer when not in use - save electricity

Electronics
The electrical equipment in your home office uses a large amount of energy and will most probably be in use for the majority of the working day. Even when office electronics are not in use, the transformer will be using electricity – adding to wasted energy and increased utility bills.

Remove the transformer when you are not using the printer, fax machine etc for periods of time. Plug as many of your electronics into one power strip so that you can turn them all off at once with one switch. Be aware that your home office electronics give off emissions like VOCs and other chemical vapours which add to indoor air pollution.

Minimise the number of electronics your buy for your home office by opting for an all in one photocopier – printer – scanner – fax machine. Opt for an online fax machine. Alternatively buy reconditioned or refurbished office electronics which are cheaper in price and make effective use of a product that was to be thrown in landfill sites. If you are buying new products, look for energy rated electronics. If your office electronics break down, check to see if a repair is possible with a local company or speak with the manufacturer for advice. Avoid throwing away old electronics once you no longer use them, search for a recycling facility in your local area or contact the manufacturer to see if they have a product take back scheme. As a last resort, donate your old electronics to a charity shop or organisations that take old electronics for reuse in 3rd countries for example.

Buy a computer from a manufacturer that has a recycling programme Computers
The computer manufacturing process uses up to 4 times more energy than repairing and upgrading your existing computer – this is an important point to consider when your computer breaks down. Do not buy a new one unless necessary, upgrade and repair as much as possible. Aim for local repairs from independent local businesses.

Avoid sending your computer back to the original manufacturer for repairs which uses energy for transportation and packaging (this could even be overseas). Look for energy rated electronics computers and laptops. Buy a computer from a manufacturer that has a recycling programme – where they will take back your computer once you have finished with it, to save it being thrown into a landfill site. Do not leave your computer on standby overnight or for longer periods of time. Buy a laptop instead of a desktop computer, as the generally use far less energy to power. When looking at screens and monitors – invest in LCDs or flat screens, known to use 50% less energy than your traditional bulky screen.

Reduce the amount of paper in your home office

Paper
To create a true eco home office you need to reduce the amount of paper you use - drastically. Reuse paper and cardboard files and folders - turn them inside out or add new labels. Buy 100% recycled paper, certified sustainable paper (the trees are grown and managed in sustainable forests) & reusable messenger envelopes. Recycle all waste paper, boxes, card packaging and junk mail. Read documents on your computer monitor or if you must print them out then print on both sides of the paper.

Make the most of CDs/CDRWs and digital memory sticks to organise your documents. Create an efficient filing system on your computer so that you don’t need to print out any documents. Opt for e-invoices with any utility companies e.g. electricity, mobile phone. Opt for online magazines rather than hard copies of subscriptions. Ask for your name to be removed from junk mail lists. Use scarps of paper to make small note books.

Office Supplies
Buy refillable and reusable office supplies; pens, mechanical pencils and files. Avoid disposable office supplies where possible. Look for recycled plastic products. Look for pens with ink that is non toxic e.g. vegetable or soy ink. . Buy multiple packs of supplies like pens and pencils to save on packaging waste. Fiddly items like elastic bands, paper clips, drawing pins etc – find them a container and reuse them Always use the draft option when printing with your word processor to save on toner. Buy recycled ink toner cartridges and recycle or refill your cartridge once it is empty. Some printer manufacturers put recycling bags into the ink cartridge packaging so you can return if to them when finished. Set up a storage area for recycling products; ink cartridges, batteries, paper waste etc and book time into your diary once a month to visit your local recycling centre. This way you won’t be tempted to just throw them away.

I hope you find my eco home office article useful, if you have any questions about how you can create your own eco home office, please contact me for professional advice.

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