Here at ecoATM, we regularly reflect on our value of protecting our planet, including those who live on it. COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, has created unexpected challenges for our world, including closing businesses and offices across the country. Because of that, many of us have found ourselves working from home for the first time.

Although this may sound great at first, new challenges arise when we realize we’re using a lot more resources at home than usual. In order to reduce our energy output and continue to show our planet kindness during this stressful time, here are five easy ways to stay eco-friendly while working from home.

Let there be light

Open the blinds, friends! While working from home, use natural light to illuminate your home office space or living room. You’ll find that this not only reduces the amount of electricity you’re using, but also adds a sense of vibrancy with the vitamin D you’re absorbing. Along with your skin, your eyes will thank you too. By spending less time in front of straining light bulbs, you’ll give your eyes a break and decrease your chances of developing a headache.

Wipe the dust off the cookbook

Now is the time to channel your inner culinary skills and craft a meal that’ll make an amazing lunch while you work from home. The option to order takeout is incredibly tempting, especially when you’re still subject to work deadlines and find yourself tired at the end of the day. Just remember that nothing compares to a home-cooked meal, and many food businesses deliver takeout using an abundance of non-environmentally friendly styrofoam containers and plastic cutlery.

Clean out junk drawers and collect any recyclable or reusable item

We all have those junk drawers (or closets!) that we’ve been avoiding. Take this time to go through those drawers and closets to find any items that can be recycled or reused for extra cash around the house. You might even find an old device that you’re not using anymore, which can be traded-in for some extra cash at an ecoATM kiosk. ecoATM kiosks can be found at most stores, so when you make your weekly essentials run for groceries, cleaning products, or prescription medicines make sure to keep an eye out for one.

Invest in a personal water filter

Since working from home means we may not have access to our workplace’s convenient water fountain, another strategy is investing in a water filter. Using a water filter allows us to clink our glasses to chilled, filtered water, without worrying about having to dispose of a plastic bottle at the end of it. Additionally, a water filter can reduce long-term spending on water. We’re seeing others grabbing multiple cases of water straight off the shelf, which might cost less up front than a filtration system, but over multiple weeks and months the cost of water bottles grows rapidly. Not to mention, how many of those plastic bottles make it to a recycling bin?

Repurpose old t-shirts

Sort through your closet to find old t-shirts that you’re not wearing anymore. Cut them into 6 inch by 6 inch squares, and your t-shirts can function like paper towels for tasks like wiping down your counter quickly or mopping up a small spill. You can also refill an empty container of disinfectant wipes with rolled up t-shirt squares and soak them in your favorite homemade cleaning solution to replace the single-use wipes. After use, you can easily wash and reuse the t-shirt squares again and again!

Grow an herb garden

Repurpose old food jars and bottles to begin growing your own herbs. Oftentimes, herbs are sold in supermarkets in small plastic clamshell containers, something we should avoid when we have the opportunity. With more time spent at home, you have the chance to watch over a plant that could yield fresh herbs, such as basil, to add a boost of taste to an assortment of meals. This is an easy, fun project to maintain, especially while working from home.

We’d love to hear your tips too! Leave them below in the comments.