Remote workers can have a 54% lower carbon footprint when compared to onsite workers, highlights a study by Cornell and Microsoft. The Cornell Chronicle article goes on to point out that lifestyle choices and work arrangements play “an essential role in determining the environmental benefits of remote and hybrid work.”
For Nigerian businesses and their workers, green business practices can extend well beyond the value of a remote work schedule. Recycled materials and paperless initiatives are just two environmentally beneficial practices that remote workers can implement, each with surprising benefits.
Recycled materials
Waste and waste management is a significant concern, not just in Nigeria but throughout the world. In fact, Al Jazeera notes the 2019 Global Material Footprint, which amounted to 85.9 billion tonnes (up from 73.2 billion tonnes 10 years before), according to the United Nations. The Global Material Footprint involves the amount of raw material, which includes fossil fuels, biomass, metal and non-metal ore that is extracted to meet total consumption demand.
Al Jazeera goes on to highlight “wastepreneurs” in Nigeria, who take waste straight from the dump in order to transform it and redefine its purpose. While some upcycle material such as car tyres and scrap metal into art, others take advantage of waste materials in order to create functional items – Adejoke Lasisi is just one individual highlighted by Al Jazeera, who turned “pure water” sachets into items such as bags, purses, slippers, mats, and more.
An at-home work environment that incorporates recycled materials can save workers money while preventing waste from ending up in the landfills. A desk made from reclaimed wood, a reupholstered chair, or a repurposed shelving unit can all serve as smart ways to create a more sustainable home office. Beyond recycled materials, the design of a sustainable home office may include eco-friendly lighting solutions, or the introduction of plant life. A focus on natural lighting, for instance, can not only benefit a remote employee’s health and wellbeing (as it helps reduce eye strain), but can be a proactive way to save energy. Natural lighting can also benefit plant life in a home office setting and help the environment flourish as one that is conducive to productivity.
Paperless practices redefine remote work
A ThisDay article describes Nigeria’s federal government plans to digitalise 80% of its activities by 2025. The ambitious change highlights a step towards modernisation, and a step in an eco-friendly direction. According to the article, the project is part of the President Bola Tinubu administration’s “drive towards modernising Nigeria’s public sector.” Additional benefits mentioned include enhanced efficiency, a reduction in corruption, and improved transparency.
Those who work remotely can adopt a like-minded approach to the digitalisation of work practices, which can cut down greatly on unnecessary paper waste. The workplace productivity platform known as Formstack highlights the significance behind paper waste – for example, it’s cited that the average office worker uses around four dozen sheets of paper each day – half of which is considered waste. Regardless of the industry or location, a move towards digital practices can make a difference. In many cases, this can mean simple changes, such as the routine use of a notes app rather than using a fresh sheet of paper.
Green practices may appear to be reserved for the traditional office setting, though there are a number of ways that remote workers can contribute as well. Paperless practices and the integration of recycled materials are just a few initiatives worth consideration, from the simple use of digital tools to stay organised to the value of sustainably sourced furniture.
By Jennifer Dawson
