The emergence of COVID-19 in the last few years has changed the world. Everything has been turned upside down, from how people dine to how they socialize. One of the most significant changes that have taken place is the way people work. With so many now working from home, many questions arise about its impact on the environment.
There are a few key points to consider when looking at this question. The first is that when people work at home, their regular commute to work no longer applies. This means fewer cars on the road and less pollution. An important thing to note, though, involves your car: Even though you aren’t using it as much for work, getting an extended car warranty is critical. This will help ensure you’re not burdened by financial costs if some vehicle parts need repair or replacement.
That said, read on to explore some of the pros and cons of remote work regarding its environmental impact.
The Environmental Benefits That Working Remotely Offers
Here are several benefits that telecommuting provides the environment:
1) Reduced Pollution From Cars
One of the most significant environmental impacts of working in an office is the pollution resulting from employees commuting. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American commuter contributes approximately four tons of carbon dioxide every year by driving back and forth to work.
When people work remotely, they don’t have to commute, which results in a significant reduction in pollution from cars. Of course, this doesn’t mean everyone should work from home all the time because there are some definite drawbacks (which will be tackled later). However, it’s important to note that working from home can significantly reduce pollution levels.
2) Saves Paper
It’s no secret that going paperless has a ton of benefits. It saves trees, reduces pollution and cuts down on waste. With more people working from home, there’s an unexpected benefit to going paperless: It saves money. Think about all the paper you use in a typical workday. From printed emails to meeting agendas, reams of paper are used at the office.
But when you work from home, all those things can be done electronically. You can send emails, share documents and join video calls without using a sheet of paper. As a result, working from home can help you save money on paper costs. So not only is working from home suitable for the environment, but it’s also good for your bottom line.
3) Less Reliance on Plastic Materials
Water coolers, vending machines and office kitchens are where people grab a drink or snack on their way back to their desks. Because of this, the amount of plastic waste produced by offices can be substantial. By eliminating the need for these conveniences, working from home reduces the amount of plastic waste produced.
In addition, many people who work from home also use their own mug or Thermos to fill up with coffee or tea, further reducing the need for disposable cups. As more people adopt eco-friendly habits in their personal lives, these plastic-saving practices will likely become more common in the workplace.
4) Lessens Pressure on Infrastructure
Here’s something that might not have occurred to you: When people work from home, it reduces the impact on infrastructure. Think about it — there are fewer cars on the road, which means less wear and tear on roads and bridges. There’s also less demand for public transportation, which can help reduce congestion and improve air quality.
And since people are working in their own homes, there’s no need for office space, which can help conserve resources like energy and water. So next time you consider the benefits of telecommuting, don’t forget the reduced impact on infrastructure — it’s a big one!
5) Fewer People Congestion
If you ask people what they don’t like about living in a big city, chances are good that “the crowds” will be near the top of the list. From packed subways and sidewalks to long lines at popular restaurants, it can often feel like people are bumping into one another. And while there’s something to be said about the energy that comes with all those people, there’s no denying that it can sometimes be overwhelming.
That’s one of the benefits of more people working from home: fewer people in urban metros. Of course, plenty of people still work in traditional office settings. However, the rise of telecommuting and flexible work arrangements means fewer people are out and about during the week. As a result, people can enjoy a little more breathing room during their daily commute or when grabbing lunch. And that can make a big difference in the overall quality of life.
The Negative Impact of Remote Work on the Environment
While there are clear environmental benefits to working from home, it’s also essential to consider the potential negative impact. After all, if everyone starts working from home, that could lead to more suburban sprawl and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Here are several drawbacks to consider:
Suburban Sprawl
As more people work from home, there will be a corresponding increase in the number of people who live in suburbs and commuter towns. That’s because people will no longer need to live near their place of work, which means they’ll have a broader range of options for where to live. While this may be good news for people who want to live in a more rural area, it could increase suburban sprawl. And that, in turn, could harm the environment, as it would require more resources to build roads and infrastructure in these areas.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
While working from home can reduce the number of cars on the road, it’s important to consider the emissions produced by the homes themselves. After all, most homes are powered by fossil fuels, producing greenhouse gas emissions. So even though people aren’t commuting, their homes still emit pollutants into the atmosphere.
Of course, there are ways to offset this impact, such as by investing in renewable energy sources or planting trees. But it’s important to consider the potential emissions from home offices when evaluating the environmental impact of telecommuting.
The Bottom Line
Overall, working from home can positively and negatively impact the environment. So, it’s essential to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks before telecommuting. If you do decide to work from home, there are several things you can do to offset any negative impact, such as investing in renewable energy or planting trees. But the best way to reduce your environmental impact is to be conscious of your choices and make the right decision.
