Creating An Eco-Friendly Home Office (July 12, 2010)

Creating An Eco-Friendly Home Office

Most people would KILL for the opportunity to work from home. Not only do you avoid the commute, but you have a say in the decorating process! If you've spent any amount of time in corporate America then you know how every office interior tends to look the same. By designing your own office space you can choose everything from the type of office chair you have to the wall decor, rugs and lighting! You'd be surprised at just how much one's work environment can affect productivity and quality of work. It's also infinitely easier to "go green" if you are designing your own space. Here are some eco-friendly suggestions for creating a greener home office!

Choosing the Right Space:
As they say in real estate, it's all about location, location, location. Choosing the right space in your home for your work space is key in creating the perfect home office. The room you choose needs to have at least one window, two would be ideal. Having natural light in your office space is a Godsend! There's nothing worse then working in a cubicle for 8 hours a day - not only do you lose track of time but you become absolutely miserable. Having a good source of natural light in your office also allows you to keep plants and flowers which are not only nice to look at but also produce oxygen.

Selecting Eco-Friendly Office Furniture:
Purchasing eco-friendly office furniture is essential if you are trying to create a greener office space. If you already have office furniture, there's no need to start from scratch but if you want to update your office, consider going the greener route. If you do adequate research before purchasing, you'll find plenty of green furniture manufacturers to choose from. If you like the look of a nice, solid wood desk, opt for one made from natural hardwood. When shopping for a new office chair or drafting chair (depending on your career), consider a reputable brand like Herman Miller. Herman Miller is leading manufacturer of ergonomically-designed office chairs and the best part is that many Herman products are made from mostly recycled materials!

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle:
While many companies today encourage employees to recycle, by having your own home office you have supreme control and recycle much more than just paper! Recycle your ink cartridges, batteries, bottles, cans, cardboard - chances are the neighborhood where you are living has a better recycling program then any corporate office! Take full advantage! Depending on the type of business you are running out of your home, it might be a good idea to check out your city or town's official website to see what other recycling programs might be available.

Make Your Office a Distraction-Free Zone
While designing your home office can be fun, it's important to remember that you'll be using this space for work. You want to minimize distractions wherever possible. Try and choose a room that's away from a bathroom or another high traffic area in your home. It's probably also a good idea to avoid putting a television in your office. Unless you need to be near one, a TV can be quite distracting, even with the sound off. A radio or CD player of some sort might be an appropriate alternative, as complete silence can often hamper productivity.

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