During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been forced to work from home which, undeniably, has become the only viable option for some. Working professionals have faced immense struggles with WFH (work from home) fatigue as it disturbs both personal and professional life. Lack of pre-set schedules and timelines may often force you to work extra.

By limiting themselves to the confinement of their homes, people have been largely contributing to the welfare of the Earth. The reduced pollution levels and decrease in industrial waste have certainly impacted the environment in a good way. Also, the trend is to go sustainable.

As Jochen Zeitz said, "Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm, it's about doing more good." Implementing this lifestyle will not only benefit the surroundings but will also inculcate the habit of healthier living. The idea of switching to sustainable materials is to help heal the planet from years of exploitation. To combat the mental and physical exhaustion that comes from being environment-friendly, here are some 10 simple ways to create a sustainable home office if you're working from home during COVID times.

The easiest way of reducing your electricity bill is to completely utilize the daytime. For instance, maximizing the sunlight exposure in your working space will keep the room well-lit and help you stay energetic.

Direct sunlight even acts as a great disinfectant for germs and bad odour. Therefore, you need not worry about bacteria thriving in and around your workspace.

If sunlight doesn’t reach your room directly, it is always advisable to use the most energy-efficient light bulbs such as LEDs. LED bulbs are priced higher than incandescent bulbs or compact fluorescent lights. However, they are a better alternative as they are long-lasting, consume less electricity, and do not heat up.

Styling your home office is necessary for an engaging and comfortable working experience. Therefore, investing in good quality furniture is exceptionally important.

For utilizing a sustainable and budget-friendly option, start by purchasing or renting pre-owned goods and furniture to redecorate your office space. Various online stores sell used furniture and you can also rent refurbished interior decor as well.

If you are thinking of purchasing brand new furniture, ditch plastic for eco-friendly materials such as recycled wood and bamboo.

 It takes around 20 full-grown trees to produce just a tonne of paper. This has resulted in the depletion of forests from our ecosystem.

Since work from home requires constant drafting and mind mapping, using paper for an immediate jot down of thoughts is inevitable. By investing in an erasable board, you can save a large number of trees. It will also save your time as erasing and rewriting on whiteboards makes more sense than aimless disposal of paper.

Nowadays, many brands have come up with a new range of zero-waste stationery items. For instance, reusable notebooks and corrugated pens are great alternatives to plastic pens and one-time-use notebooks.

Indoor plants provide a calming effect on your mind, making it easier to focus. It may also increase your productivity. Flora designing and wallscapes will beautify your office and help to keep your stress levels low. Plants like succulents, bonsais, herbs, and creepers can make your home office refreshing and lively.  

Ample ventilation is required to keep your room’s air fresh and flowing. Sitting in an air-conditioned space for long hours can contribute to significant health complications like joint pains, headaches, etc. It will also affect your respiratory system. 

Moreover, ACs are detrimental to the environment due to the release of hazardous CFCs (Chloro-Fluoro Carbons). To prevent these harmful effects of cooling systems, keep the space well-ventilated through open balconies and windows. 

If the room does not have ventilating windows, invest in a water cooler. Water coolers run on electricity but do not pollute the environment. They are more eco-friendly as they cool the room with the help of water.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle is a concept of sustainable living and assists in conserving natural resources.

○      Reduce - Reduce the consumption of energy in any possible way. Start by switching off the lights and fans when not in use. Also, plug out all the devices before exiting the office space. 

○      Reuse - Reutilize old paper for printing or rewriting purposes. Such small changes in your lifestyle can impact the Earth on a large scale; it is all about making an effort.

○      Recycle - After accumulating waste in your bins, it is ideal for segregating and disposing of the litter to recycling agencies. Electronic gadgets and devices get recycled and refurbished, too. Therefore, instead of throwing them away, consider giving them to an electronic store for refurbishing.