How to Have an Eco Friendly Home Office

Keep your life green!

With so many changes happening to our planet, we often wonder what we can do to help, especially during a remodel or when moving a space around. Cutting back on new purchases and the over-use of plastics and new metals, recycling and being more aware of the new products we do buy, are simple steps we can take as consumers to help the environment. By implementing small changes into your home office space, you can lead a greener lifestyle at home while you work.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Recycled decor
• Bamboo floor
• Organic linen
• Recycled office furniture
• VOC-free paint
• Chalk board or chalk board paint

1. Using VOC-free paint, paint the area of your home office a natural color to freshen up the look. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds.

2. Paint using an environmental-friendly paint.

   Purchase a recycled office desk and office chair for your furniture and paint them with VOC-free paint if needed.

3. Chalk boards are eco-friendly.

   Use chalk paint or a recycled chalk board to display 'to-do's" and messages.

4. Natural bamboo.

   Use a bamboo rug for decorating the floor.

5. Natural sheer curtains.

   Hang organic linen curtains in the windows.

6. Hostas are long lasting plants.

   Bring in some perennial plants from outdoors to add green flair to your room.

7. Use recycled items from free-cycling or consignment shops to complete your look.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay attention to the design of the desk you are looking for; you can always change the look with a bright-colored VOC-free paint when you get it home.

• Using a chalk board saves on paper and ink. Chalk is better for the environment.

• Purchase only organic linens from specialty stores for your curtains.

• You can find bamboo rugs at most import stores in major cities near where you live.

• Bring in hearty green perennials such as hostas, succulents and sedums to accent your office area.

• Sign up with your local free-cycle group to swap out items that are no longer needed in your household.

• If painting metal office furniture, make sure to always test the surface first to make sure it will adhere.