With 53 percent of small business in the United States operating out of the home, business sustainability is not exclusive to the larger companies. Collectively, home based small business can drive sustainable change through product/ service offerings as well as integrating sustainability concepts into the foundation of the business.
Specifically, as a sustainability consultant, I'm frequently asked for suggestions on how to create or revamp a home office that represents the eco awareness of the business owner and also parallels the direction of the business sustainability plan. We suggest in our sustainability consulting to create a sustainable home office using products that save energy, reduce resources, and minimize chemicals in the home office.
Following are some areas offered for consideration in our eco friendly training:
Furniture / Building Material used:
- Opt for furniture made from local, sustainably harvested resources when possible.
- Select carpet and rugs made of natural fibers or recycled materials.
- Flooring options include bamboo, recycled/ reclaimed wood, or ceramic tiles made from recycled glass.
- Decorate your walls with low VOC paints.
Heating/ Cooling/ Lighting:
- Sign up for sustainable energy sources: renewable energy credits, wind energy, and home solar systems are a few ways that you can use sustainable energy sources in your own home. Most major utilities companies have renewable energy programs; see your company’s website for more information.
- Use natural lighting as well as compact fluorescent bulbs.
- Insulate well.
Transportation:
- Use public transportation or commute by bike. Other options include teleconferencing and video conferencing.
- If travel is required, travel with the environment in mind.
Waste:
- Invoke the sustainability concepts of the three R's: reduce, reuse, and recycle and apply it to everything: paper, print cartridges, office supplies, etc. Remember to reduce waste by limiting what you purchase. Purchasing less means less waste.
- Leverage technology to go paperless.
Energy efficiency:
- Reduce unnecessary electrical consumption: unplug seldom used devices.
- Utilize power strips for commonly used devices. Choices include Watt stopper and Bits limited.
- Unplug chargers (think cell phones and iPods) when not in use. Only 5% of the power drawn by a cell phone charger is used to charge the phone. The other 95% is wasted when it is left plugged into the wall.
- Remember to buy energy star equipment.
Improve indoor air quality:
- Plants and natural / non toxic cleaners contribute to improve indoor air quality encouraging good health and improved productivity.
Purchasing:
- Establish environmentally responsible purchasing guidelines for supplies and criteria for vendors.
- Source eco friendly office supplies.
- Purchase and dispose of electronic equipment responsibly.
