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Home Looptworks Blog Is working remotely actually more sustainable?

Remember back in summer 2020 when highways felt like the set of an apocalyptic zombie film? The dramatic reduction of commuting to work led many to wonder — is a shift to working from home and away from commuting the sustainable silver bullet we’ve been waiting for?

In the Hubei province of China, good air quality days increased by nearly 21%. And in the Himalayas, blue skies were seen for the first time in 25 years. The great metropolis of New York City saw a 60% decline in traffic, a change that experts believed could yield 33-77% in economic benefits if sustained.

But as it turns out, packing up your office station and heading home doesn’t alone ensure a lower footprint. With workforces now spread out and reporting for duty from the comfort of their own homes, it’s more difficult to quantify energy usage. 

So, if you’re a hybrid or remote worker hoping to benefit the planet with your low-commuting lifestyle, check out these easy at-home tips that’ll keep your footprint down and your costs low. 

  • Maximize your trips to the office in fewer commutes.
    Many hybrid workers are still venturing into the office a few times a week for in-person meetings. If possible, try reducing your road time by stacking meetings in just 1-2 days a week.

  • Invest in a high quality water filter.
    If you’re still hooked on water bottles, consider switching to a water filtration system for your faucet. This makes getting crystal-clear water a breeze and will ultimately save money and reduce plastic in landfill.

  • Download a blue light reduction app for your screen.
    Keep your physical well being at the top of your to-do list. Installing a blue light reduction app or a reminder to take screen breaks is key to ensuring your eyes (and brain) stay rested and healthy. 

  • Thermostat: Set it and forget it.
    Portable units like oil-based heaters use a surprisingly high amount of energy - so much so that it’s common for them to blow a fuse! A more cost-effective, low-energy option is to keep your thermostat consistently set at a comfortable temperature.

  • Embrace the glory (and meeting-ready glow) of natural light.
    Sure, ring lights are awesome. But have you tried natural light lately? Embrace the sun’s rays by throwing open curtains and flipping off switches while lightening up your energy bill while you’re at it.

    • Looking to keep your work gear organized at home and on the go?
    We also rounded up some of our favorite tech picks for 2022. Check out the upcycled techie collection.

    In collaboration with the EV Car Industry: Voltaic Canvas & Leather Backpack

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