The Greener Way to Work from Home

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Many companies are realising the benefits of allowing employees to work from home – if not all of the time, at least some of the time. It frees up office space, cuts down on overheads, can increase productivity and helps reduce a company’s carbon footprint by reducing staff mileage.

 

And for employees, the benefits of working at home are plain to see – fewer distractions, a more comfortable environment, no stressful commute to work and the ability to juggle home and work life more easily.

 

But does working from home actually benefit the environment? And how does the home environment affect our own health?

 

On the surface, working from home would seem to be the environmentally-friendly choice. After all, if staff don’t need to drive to get to work, it can seriously cut down traffic fumes and carbon emissions.

 

However, others have pointed out that having lots of people working separately in homes that have to be lit, heated and powered may be less environmentally efficient than having a large team sharing one office space. And little things like boiling a kettle for just one person at home can be much less energy efficient than boiling a kettle for several people in the workplace.

 

The answer seems to be to allow people to work from home but encourage them to make environmentally-friendly choices whilst doing so. Here are just some of the ways to be healthier and greener when working from home:

 

Eating
One big benefit of working at home is that you have more freedom over what you eat. When you are no longer reliant on take away coffee in plastic cups or mass-produced, over-packaged sandwiches and water in plastic bottles, your eating habits can be much healthier both for you and for the environment. When making hot drinks at home, remember to boil just one cup of water at a time rather than filling the kettle to the top.

 

Recycling
Some offices are great at recycling but others don’t make provisions for recycling. At home, you can create your own simple systems for recycling things like ink cartridges and paper. You can also set up your printer to print on both sides, use environmentally-friendly paper and cut down on the amount of paper you use.

 

 

Lighting and Heating
If you are at home on your own, you probably only need to heat and light one room during the working day – so remember to turn off the lights and radiators in the rooms you are not using. This is much better than large offices where corridors, kitchens, reception areas and meeting rooms often remain heated, lit or air conditioned even when no-one is using them.

 

 

Look after yourself
Working in a home environment is very different to working in an office and although at first it may seem like a luxury to be able to work in your pyjamas and take breaks when you want, it’s important to look after your health. Eat well, have a routine and make sure you take regular walks to get some fresh air. It’s also good to stay in contact with your colleagues so that you don’t feel isolated – a quick phone call or email can make all the difference.

 

For more information about working from home, visit: www.smarta.com

 

Categories: environment, environmentally friendly, Home, home environment, office space, recycling, work, working

Four Steps to Take for a Healthier Home Environment

 

Nowadays, people are more concerned about their health than ever before. It may surprise many people to find out how many things around their homes could potentially have a negative impact on their health. Things that we come into contact with regularly and use to live our daily lives could actually be hurting us. Let’s take a look at some simple things you can do to make your home a healthier environment for you and your family:

 

Dust Regularly

The dust that is around your house could potentially aggravate the allergies of the people living there if it is allowed to build up over a period of time. Dust can also contain various hazardous chemicals such as pesticides, fire retardants and lead. While it may be hard to believe, chemicals can become part of your house dust, even if they have not been used in your home for several decades. The most effective way to eliminate this dust is to remove your carpeting because allergens and dust can be easily collected by it. Replace it with non-vinyl linoleum, tile, cork or wood flooring.

 

Get Your Home Tested

Radon and lead paint are both serious dangers that should not be ignored. Brain damage and birth defects have been known to be caused by exposure to lead paint. Radon is a gas that is radioactive and causes cancer. When lead paint starts to disintegrate, the chips turn into dust, which in turn goes into the air. People living in the house breathe in this lead paint dust and this is how they are exposed. Radon gas comes from rock and soil breaking down under a house. This is why having your home tested for dangerous substances is of the utmost importance. According to a home safety tester, you can have a paint chip test performed by a lab for about thirty dollars. Radon test kits can be bought for about twenty dollars, and are well worth the cost for the safety and peace of mind they offer.

 

Don’t use Pesticides

Instead of using harmful chemicals to kill pests, use baited mousetraps, glue traps and other items that will not harm you. You should also wash dishes, tables and counter surfaces of any food debris to prevent attracting bugs.

 

Use a Water Filter

Even if you live in an area that supposedly has healthy drinking water, there could still be toxic chemicals in trace amounts. A filter will help you avoid them. If you suspect your tap water is unsafe to drink, an expert from Kamloops Septic Service advises discontinuing its use and having it tested immediately. Ensuring that you and your family consume only clean water is crucial to creating a healthier home environment.

 

These are just a handful of ways to make your home healthier. With some research, you can find other methods of controlling your home environment to keep you and your family healthy for many years to come.

 

Categories: Healthier, home environment, Steps

How to Create and Maintain a Healthy Home Environment

 

By Emma Sturgis

 

A healthy home is a home that is clean, safe and free of harmful chemicals, germs and bacteria. There are various steps you can take to create a healthy home environment that gives you peace of mind.

 

 

Dust

Dust makes your home environment unhealthy for everyone living there. It can be a serious concern for family members with allergies. Carpet is a magnet for dust. If possible, remove the carpeting in your home and replace it with wood, cork, tile or non-vinyl linoleum. If replacing the carpet is not an option for you, be sure that you vacuum your carpets several times a week using a good quality vacuum cleaner.

 

It’s important to note that dust also quickly accumulates in corners, under furniture and in upholstery. A regular, thorough cleaning of these areas can eliminate household dust. According to an expert from Maid Brigade, consistently changing your furnace filter will also help keep the air in your home clean and dust-free.

 

 

Cleaning products

Chemical-based cleaning products can be a hazard if you have children and pets living in your home. They are also harmful to the environment. To create a healthy home, use only green, eco-friendly cleaning products. You might also want to experiment with some of the many homemade cleaning product recipes you can find online.

 

 

Mold

Mold is a health hazard that you don’t want in your home. If you already have evidence of mold, you may need to get a professional to assist you with removing it. You can prevent mold from becoming a health hazard in your home by making sure moisture does not accumulate in your bathroom, basement, attic, around your windows, or in any other area of your home. Proper ventilation is a major factor in preventing mold. Exhaust fans for the bathroom, dehumidifiers for the basement and proper ventilation in the attic and throughout the house are ideal ways to prevent mold.

 

A dedication to cleanliness is one of the best ways to create a healthy home environment. Developing habits such as frequently wiping kitchen and bathroom countertops with a mixture of vinegar and water can keep them free of germs and bacteria. Another good habit for everyone in the house to develop is the removal of their shoes, either outside or just inside the door. A lot of germs and bacteria from the outside environment can be tracked into your home on the bottom of your shoes. With some heightened vigilance and the introduction of a few good habits, your home can become a healthy place for your family.

 

Categories: create, Healthy, home environment, maintain