This is a collaborative post

If you’re one of the many people now working from home, you’ve probably got a space set up as your home office by now. But if you’re looking to make yourself a more sustainable home working space, you might be starting to think about making some improvements to your current set up. Trying to create a workspace that is both green and pleasant to work in isn’t as difficult as it might sound. In fact, they almost go hand-in-hand.

Here’s some ideas for making a sustainable home office.

Creating a Sustainable Home Office

Feel better floors

Sticking to natural materials is a good start. Wooden floors not only look and feel great in a room, but they’re easy to clean and should last a long time. You’ll need to make sure that the wood you’re using is responsibly sourced and free from chemical treatments. If the cost of wooden flooring seems too expensive, you could look for reclaimed wooden flooring instead.

If you’re just looking for a quick floor change, why not try a new rug? There are lots of feel-good choices available, including rugs made from recycled plastic bottles and Fair Trade recycled cotton rugs. Rugs are great for brightening up your workspace without creating unnecessary clutter.

Do up a desk

If you’re thinking of investing in a proper desk rather than sitting at the dining table, then you can make sustainable choices here too. Check online auctions and marketplaces to find a second-hand wooden desk. It doesn’t matter too much what the condition is like, as long as it’s solidly built. You can then give it a quick sand down and a nice coat of furniture paint. Many furniture paints are now eco-friendly and free from Volatile Organic Compounds, perfect for a sustainable office makeover.

Happy houseplants

Plants are a great way to green your home office and make it a more natural feeling space. However, you can make more sustainable choices here too. If you simply pop to your local DIY store or order from an online plant shop, do you know where the plant’s travelled from? Does it turn up in peaty compost and a plastic pot? Look for smaller nurseries or suppliers who put an emphasis on sustainability. See if you can find locally grown plants, or plants that haven’t travelled across the continent, that come in plastic-free packaging and pots.

Energy and light

Whilst you’re working, you’re probably using electricity for lights, your computer and heating. Not to mention boiling the kettle for hot drinks. You can reduce the need to use so much electricity by making sure you’re letting in as much natural light as possible and cutting out all those little draughts in the room.

Finally, try not to leave your computer switched when you’re not using it, and don’t have things like printers plugged in if you rarely use them.