Remote work has taken center stage over the last few years, and for good reason. While it might feel like a dream to work in your PJs with consistent access to snacks, there’s a much more important reason to celebrate – remote work could be a real win for the environment. Here are five ways the new remote model is much better for the planet than traditional working practices:
1. No More Offices
Offices produce a lot of waste. Then there are the materials and chemicals involved in creating desks and chairs, cleaning products, air conditioning units, heating, lighting, computer systems, paper – the list of environmental impacts from offices is long.
By working remotely, you can operate from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection, meaning there’s no need for a central office. Instead, you can take advantage of a virtual office to gain all the core benefits of a traditional space.
The best virtual offices for online businesses will give you a mailing address, access to meeting rooms, and secretarial services – without the environmental issues associated with a permanent location.
2. No More Commuting
Most of the world's annual emissions come from transport. This isn’t surprising when you learn that the average American spends nearly an hour a day commuting. Remote workers get to skip this commute, making this approach to employment better for the planet. Of course, that doesn’t take into account the environmental impact of traveling digital nomads.
3. Little to No Paper Use
Paper use is actually a huge part of why working in an office is bad for the environment. Paper accounts for over 25% of waste at landfill sites, and while many offices are trying to go paperless, most still consume a huge amount. Working remotely usually involves little to no paper – another environmental win.
4. Improved Ability to Handle Waste
Statistics show that recycling increased during the early parts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, people working from home are more likely to have sustainable waste practices than those working in a traditional office. Some workplaces do implement fantastic waste management strategies, of course. But the majority don’t, so remote workers take the win on this front.
5. Better Personal Practises
Around 77% of people want to learn how to live a more sustainable lifestyle. This is why remote work can be so much more eco-friendly than working in an office. The individual has more autonomy and power over how eco-friendly they are when they work at home. In the traditional office, they can feel constrained by the rules and existing practices, meaning they fail to make an effort with paper use, waste, energy usage, materials usage, and more.
Businesses still have a long way to go, and there’s a lot involved in transforming an entire company into a well-oiled eco-friendly machine. For the remote individual, the transition to a more sustainable and eco-friendly work life can happen much faster.
In a world where the health of the planet we all call home is of growing concern, remote work gives us a little more autonomy as we work to reduce our environmental impact. Sure, remote working is convenient, comfortable, and flexible, but it is also a powerful force for positive change. From reducing your carbon emissions to having complete control over your sustainable work practices, there are many benefits to becoming a remote worker.
Together, businesses, employees, freelancers, and entrepreneurs can make a real difference, even if it is just one remote workday at a time.
