Greener Remote Work: Cut Waste in Your Home Office or Coworking Space

Coworkism earns from purchases made through the MaviGadget links in this post.

The simplest way to make remote work greener is to cut the things you repeat every day: fewer unnecessary trips, lower idle energy use, gear that lasts longer and proper disposal when it finally fails. Most of these changes are free, and they also tend to save money.

Does remote work automatically reduce my footprint?

Not automatically. Working from home removes the commute, but it moves heating, cooling and lighting onto you, and it can lead to buying extra gear. What matters is the overall pattern: how you travel when you do go out, how much power your setup draws, and how often you replace equipment.

That is useful, because each part is something you can change without much effort.

How can I cut my work-related travel?

Look at the trips you actually make. Many remote workers find a few trips drive most of the travel.

• Batch errands and meetings. Put in-person meetings on the same day instead of spreading them across the week.
• Choose a closer workspace. If you use a coworking space, pick one you can reach on foot, by bike or by public transport. See our guide to choosing a coworking space for the full checklist.
• Ask whether a call will do. Not every meeting needs a trip, and not every call needs video.

How do I reduce the energy my home office uses?

Start with habits, then equipment.

1. Turn on sleep and display-off settings on your computer and monitor.
2. Use a power strip so chargers and peripherals can be switched off together at the end of the day.
3. Place your desk near a window and use daylight when you can.
4. Use efficient bulbs in your desk lamp.

When you need to buy a computer, ENERGY STAR certified computers are one way to find models designed to use less energy. If you work from a less comfortable room, a heated or cooled space used all day usually costs more than adjusting one small area, so think about which room you actually need.

Should I buy new gear or keep what I have?

Keep it, if it still does the job. Making a new laptop, monitor or headset uses materials and energy, so the greenest device is often the one you already own.

• Repair first. A new battery, a larger drive or more memory can add years to a laptop.
• Buy for the long term. Choose gear that is repairable and has replaceable parts.
• Pass things on. A working monitor or keyboard can go to a colleague, a school or a charity.

If you are building a mobile setup, our portable home office kit article covers equipment worth buying once and keeping.

What do I do with old electronics?

Do not throw them in the household bin. Electronics can contain materials that should be handled properly. The EPA's page on electronics donation and recycling explains your options, including manufacturer and retailer programs. Wipe your personal and work data before you hand anything over, and check your employer's policy first if the device is company property.

How can a coworking space or small team share resources?

Shared spaces can avoid a lot of duplication when they are set up well. A few changes help most:

• Shared printers set to double-sided and black-and-white by default
• Reusable cups and dishes in the kitchen instead of disposables
• Clearly labelled recycling and compost bins
• A shared equipment shelf for adapters, cables, webcams and monitors
• Lights and screens in meeting rooms that switch off when the room is empty

Operators who host sessions can apply the same ideas to events. Our piece on hosting workshops in a coworking space covers how these gatherings are run.

What small habits matter most day to day?

• Bring your own bottle and mug.
• Print only when you need to, and reuse paper for notes.
• Unsubscribe from newsletters you never read, and clear out old files you no longer need.
• Keep a short list of what to repair, replace or recycle, so decisions are not made in a rush.

You do not have to do everything at once. Pick two or three changes this month and keep the ones that stick. If you need small items for a tidier, longer-lasting desk, Mavigadget's online store has a range of gadgets.