Since the 18th century and the start of the industrial revolution, the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has increased by 47%. It is estimated that carbon dioxide is responsible for 65% of the additional man-made greenhouse effects that are causing global warming.
Reducing our carbon footprint is essential if we are to combat this threat to the earth's ecosystem as a whole. And even when you're working remotely, there are steps you can take to be eco-responsible. Here are our tips for helping our planet to be healthier.
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Create an eco-responsible workspace
To save energy, you'll need to optimize your workspace. To this end, we strongly advise you to use as much natural light as possible, and to invest in durable equipment. Another important point: don't forget to switch off your appliances when you're not using them. This saves energy. In the same vein, remember to insulate your office properly to reduce your dependence on heating or air conditioning.
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Focus on virtual communications
This one may be controversial. Digital technology obviously consumes energy. However, we advise you to give priority to virtual meetings when working remotely. It's true that a trip to a café to meet a few colleagues can be very pleasant. At least, concordant studies tend to show that the impact on the climate remains greater when you use your car than when you talk via videoconference. In the vast majority of cases, face-to-face interaction is just as effective as remote interaction. In the same way, whenever possible, online meetings are preferable to business travel.
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Adopt sustainable working practices
Intelligent time management can go a long way when it comes to eco-responsibility. This also applies to working from home. Excessive working hours will automatically increase your energy bill. Remote jobs, because they give talented people control over their own schedules, enable them to rationalize and optimize the time they spend working. We might as well make the most of it personally, and let the Earth benefit from it.
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Choose eco-responsible companies
The quest for meaning at work has become one of the priorities expressed by talented people. When you're looking for opportunities to work remotely, you can, at the same time, give preference to companies that adopt eco-responsible practices. More and more firms are taking real, sustainable steps to reduce their impact on the environment. Look hard and you're bound to find what you're looking for.
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Reduce electronic waste
It is time to upgrade or replace some of your electronic equipment? You can do so responsibly. Opt to recycle those items that have become obsolete, or donate them to charity. There's no shortage of options in this area.
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Shop “local”
In the same spirit, when you're making purchases, remember to give preference to local suppliers and to products that are more eco-responsible than others, from responsible sources.
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Encourage sustainable mobility
All right, even when you work remotely, you may have to travel. If you can't avoid it, bike, carpool or use public transport. And for short trips, there's always walking. It's good for you and good for the planet.
Even when you're working remotely, there's always something you can do to improve the Earth's health. Everyday gestures count too, at the office, as well as remotely.
What are the advantages of working remotely to reduce your carbon footprint?
Remote working minimizes the need to travel, thus reducing the environmental impact of commuting.
What are the best practices for reducing the carbon footprint of your home workspace?
Optimize natural lighting, use energy-efficient equipment and promote waste recycling to create an environmentally-friendly workspace.
How can you measure your environmental impact as a remote worker and set sustainable goals?
Use carbon tracking tools and set personal goals to gradually reduce your environmental impact as a remote worker.
How can I make my employer and colleagues more aware of the environmental benefits of working remotely?
Share information on the environmental benefits of remote work and offer ideas for integrating sustainable practices into the corporate culture.