Working from home is honestly one of my favorite things. I love the freedom, the flexibility, and the fact that I can build my day around what actually works for me (and yes, sometimes that includes a mid-morning coffee break or taking my dog out for a walk).
But if you work from home a lot, your home office setup can quietly become a bigger part of your footprint than you’d expect. But you don’t need a Pinterest-perfect workspace to make it more sustainable. A few small upgrades can cut down on waste, lower energy use, and save you a good chunk of money over time.
Here are some ways to make your home office more eco-friendly without making it complicated.
1. Start with the most sustainable setup: use what you already own
Before buying anything new, take a look at what you already have and what you can improve.
A wobbly chair might not need replacing, it might just need a cushion or a better back support. A desk might be totally fine with a quick reorganization and a better lamp. Even small things like adjusting your screen height with a stack of books can make your setup more comfortable without spending money or creating extra waste.
This is always the lowest-impact option, and it usually costs $0.
2. Choose energy-efficient lighting (it matters more than you think)
If you work from home, your lights are on more than the average person’s. Switching to LEDs is one of those boring little upgrades that ends up making a huge difference.
LED bulbs use way less energy than older bulbs and last much longer, so you’re saving money and reducing waste at the same time. A bonus tip is to use warm lighting, because it makes your workspace feel cozier and less “office fluorescent.”
If you want to take it a step further, a desk lamp can also be more efficient than lighting up an entire room.
3. Kill “phantom energy” with a smart power strip
Even when devices are “off,” many of them still draw power. Monitors, chargers, speakers, printers, routers, and basically anything with a little light that stays on.
A simple fix is using a power strip and turning it off at the end of the day. If you want something even easier, a smart power strip can cut power automatically when devices aren’t in use.
4. Upgrade your laptop setup instead of buying a whole new computer
New electronics come with a heavy footprint, so if your current laptop is still working, keeping it longer is a sustainability win.
Instead of replacing it early, consider upgrades that make your existing setup feel brand new:
🌲 an external keyboard and mouse (more comfortable, less strain)
🌲 a laptop stand (better posture instantly)
🌲 a secondhand monitor (huge productivity boost without buying new)
5. Go secondhand for the big stuff (desk, chair, storage)
If you do need a desk, chair, or shelves, secondhand is the best place to start. Office furniture is one of the easiest categories to find used because businesses constantly downsize, move, or renovate.
You can often find really high-quality items for a fraction of the price, and it keeps the bulky stuff out of landfills. Plus, older furniture tends to be sturdier and longer-lasting than a lot of modern flat-pack options (looking at you, IKEA).
Look for solid wood, metal frames, and pieces that can be repaired instead of replaced.
6. Choose a chair that lasts
A comfortable chair is worth it if you work from home regularly. But sustainability-wise, the best chair is one you won’t have to replace in a year.
If you’re shopping for something new, try to find a chair with:
🌲 replaceable parts
🌲 a long warranty
🌲 durable materials (metal base, solid frame)
🌲 a brand that offers repairs or spare parts
If you can find a high-quality ergonomic chair secondhand, even better. It’s a purchase that will improve your day-to-day life instantly.
7. Reduce paper waste
I’m not going to pretend everyone can be fully paperless. Sometimes you need to print something, write notes, or keep physical documents.
But you can reduce paper waste a lot by switching to:
🌲 digital notes when possible
🌲 a reusable notebook
🌲 printing only when needed
🌲 using both sides of paper
🌲 choosing recycled paper when you do buy it
If you do print often, check your printer’s settings. Draft mode and double-sided printing can save a surprising amount of ink and paper.
8. Pick low-waste office supplies that actually work
Sustainable office supplies have come a long way. You don’t have to use scratchy recycled pens that barely work anymore.
A few easy upgrades:
🌲 refillable pens or mechanical pencils
🌲 recycled notebooks
🌲 a refillable stapler or tape dispenser
🌲 paper tape instead of plastic tape
🌲 minimal packaging whenever possible
If you’re ordering supplies online, bundling purchases into fewer orders is a small but real footprint reducer. And if you need some ideas, check out my post on the most sustainable office supplies here.
9. Don’t forget air quality (especially if you’re inside all day)
If you’re working from home, you’re breathing that air for hours. Indoor air quality matters, and it’s an underrated part of a “healthy and sustainable” workspace.
A few easy ways to improve it:
🌲 open windows regularly (even for 5 minutes)
🌲 add a few houseplants if you enjoy living in a jungle like I do
🌲 avoid heavily scented sprays and synthetic air fresheners
🌲 choose low-VOC furniture and paints when possible
10. Make heating and cooling more efficient
If you work from home, your heating or AC is probably running more than the average office worker’s. This is where sustainability and saving money overlap in a big way.
A few things that help:
🌲 keep doors closed to heat/cool only the room you’re in
🌲 use a draft stopper if your office gets chilly
🌲 bundle up in cozy layers instead of cranking up the heat
🌲 use a fan to circulate air more efficiently
🌲 close blinds on hot days, open them on sunny winter days
Comfort matters, but there are ways to stay comfortable without blasting energy all day.
11. Choose better tech when you do replace something
Eventually, something will break or need replacing. When that happens, you can still make a sustainable choice by looking for:
🌲 refurbished laptops or monitors – check out my favorite second-hand tech markets here
🌲 repairable devices (or brands with spare parts)
🌲 energy-efficient certifications
🌲 products designed to last
Tech doesn’t have to be disposable, even though companies try to make it feel that way. If you’re in the market for a new laptop, check out my recommendations here.
12. The “sustainable workday” habits that actually stick
This is the part that makes the biggest difference long-term. No perfection needed, just small everday habits that become the norm.
A few favorites:
🌲 unplug chargers when you’re not using them
🌲 turn off your power strip at the end of the day
🌲 take calls on headphones instead of speaker devices
🌲 use a reusable water bottle and mug
🌲 keep snacks in reusable containers instead of single-use packaging
Your home office doesn’t need to be painfully minimalistic to be sustainable. It just needs to work for you.
If you love working from home like I do, it’s worth building a setup that supports your health, your focus, and your values. And if it also lowers your energy bill along the way, that’s a win I will happily take.