Creating a Non Toxic Home Office Effortlessly -

Do you work from a home office? Have you thought about how much time you spend there? Spoiler alert: It’s probably a lot more than you’d like to admit…..am I right?

If you were to quickly assess your home office, what do you see?

Furniture made of medium density fiberboard and particle board and plywood?

Settled dust on cluttered surfaces?

Wireless electronics in every corner?

Whether you want a completely non toxic home office or not, an office in general can be one that contains a number of toxins naturally through the items we bring in. From the office chair to the airflow in your space, luckily the home office is one that can be very controlled by your habits and products.

And isn’t that the trick with creating an organic home in general? Every space has the opportunity for better and healthier products and habits. You just have to know what they are. And THIS is often the biggest problem. We’re often left to trust that every product we can buy is completely safe — after all, why would anyone sell a product that could harm you? Truthfully, it all boils down to the fact that as consumers we’re just not told all the facts and we have to seek them out on our own.

But we’re busy raising families, working from home and taking care of the day to day needs that arise. We don’t always have time to stop and research each and every item that comes into our homes. And at what cost? Turning a blind eye to the products we bring in our homes can leave us with unhealthy spaces that contain chemicals and toxins that harm our hormone production, increase our risk of developing cancer, burden our kidneys and liver and slow down healthy development in our kids. It’s a high price to pay to live in an uneducated bubble.

In the same breath, we’re only human and most of us are pretty trusting of the world around us. I know I usually am one that trusts in anyone and anything until they prove me wrong. I don’t think we need to be cynical or skeptical of everything we buy or read. But I do think we need to politely and consciously question products and companies that have made their way into our home out of convenience or ease of use. And the home office is one of those spaces we don’t often think about — often it’s kitchens, bedrooms, playrooms or bathrooms that get most of our attention.

But with more and more of us sticking to a home office and spending large parts of our day sitting in an office chair and in our home spaces, it might be time to improve those spaces to be just a little bit healthier.

Why a Non Toxic Home Office Matters to Your Health:

In a world where we spend upwards of 80% of our time indoors, a toxin-free home office isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for our health and wellness. Your workspace directly impacts your body’s ability to heal, detoxify, and function optimally.

Toxic materials in paints, furniture, storage containers, and office supplies continuously release harmful chemicals that can burden your respiratory system, disrupt hormonal balance, and potentially contribute to long-term health issues.

By creating a toxin-free home office, you’re not just designing a workspace; you’re crafting an environment that supports your body’s natural healing processes and protects you from unnecessary chemical exposure.

VOCs & Formaldehyde: Long term exposure to VOCs can impair cognitive function and decrease cognitive performance like memory and decision making. (SOURCE). Prolonged exposure to VOCs has also been linked to damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. (SOURCE)

Formaldehyde exposure in building materials and furnishings is a known carcinogen and has been linked to myeloid leukemia. (SOURCE). There is also a study that found a link between formaldehyde exposure and an increased risk of brain cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. (SOURCE). Long term exposure to formaldehyde can also impact the central nervous system, including headaches, depression, mood changes and insomnia. (SOURCE)

Dust & Allergens: A study done on the contents of house dust confirmed that 100% of house dust samples contained PFAS substances, which has been linked to delayed brain development in children, thyroid cancers and liver and kidney damage. (SOURCE). House dust can also contain pesticides, plasticizers, flame retardants and phthalates. These toxins are hormone disruptors and negatively impact the natural work of the endocrine system. When the finely tuned endocrine system begins to function improperly, it can cause issues with the thyroid, the reproductive system and increase the risk for cancer. (SOURCE)

EMFs & RFs: With an office often being the electrical hub of your home, it’s important to understand the different health impacts to even the low level exposure you might experience.

EMFs have been linked to an increase in childhood leukemia (SOURCE) as well as an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. (SOURCE). THE National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has also stated that EMFs are possibly carcinogenic to humans and can increase the risk of brain tumors. (SOURCE)

RFs from wi-fi and cell phones can have a negative impact on children’s brain development, sleep disturbances, fatigue and headaches. (LINK)

Making a Change to Create a Non Toxic Home Office

While you start to assess your current home office and look for ways you can improve the space, there should be a method to your assessment and plan for your changes. And the truth is the SIMPLEST tasks will make sure you get the job done in creating a truly non toxic home home office.

Assess for VOCs and Formaldehyde: Consider testing your space to find the true levels in your space if you’re concerned. A mailed out test can quickly uncover problems or give you peace of mind. This will also help you decide if you need new furniture or if your current furniture is safe for your space.
Minimize Your Items: Decide right off the bat items you can rid from your office and items you can live without. A minimalist home and space can truly be a space that has fewer toxins just because there are fewer items.
Decide on Swaps: Begin to look at all your furniture, textiles and items in your space. Is there anything you plan to replace? If so, start making a list in order of importance. From there start researching each item to find a low toxin alternative, or use my list that I have below.
Remember that your office might work better for your home and family if it is low toxin. A low toxin space is a space that has some items that may not be the absolute healthiest, but they still have a reduced number of toxins. Often these fit in your budget better and can be more available for your home.

Toxin Free Furniture:

When creating a healthy home office, furniture selection becomes critical in reducing your exposure to harmful toxins. Most people don’t realize that traditional office furniture can be a significant source of indoor air pollution, releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from adhesives, finishes, and synthetic materials.

Look for furniture made from solid wood with natural, water-based or low-VOC finishes. Avoid pressed wood products like particleboard or MDF, which often contain formaldehyde-based resins that continuously off-gas toxic chemicals. When possible, choose furniture from manufacturers who prioritize non-toxic materials and transparent manufacturing processes.

Consider furniture with certifications like GREENGUARD Gold, which ensures low chemical emissions, or pieces crafted from sustainably sourced, untreated wood. Natural materials like bamboo, solid maple, or reclaimed wood not only reduce toxin exposure but also create a more environmentally conscious workspace. Remember, even small changes in your furniture choices can significantly improve the overall health of your home office environment.

Below are my toxin free home office furniture picks:

All natural and GreenGuard Certified home office desk options:

Add a GreenGuard Gold Certified Bookshelf to your Space with these eco friendly furniture options:

ECO FRIENDLY OFFICE SUPPLIES

ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS (EMFs)

The organic home office space can still include a lot of electronics, which we know produce EMF (electromagnetic fields) throughout our space. Electromagnetic fields are produced by a variety of electrical components and objects around our home. But what we know about them is that they alter the function of our brains and how the brain is stimulated. EMF exposure has also been linked to childhood leukemia, sleep disturbances, insomnia, headaches and depression.

Anyway we can avoid toxic electromagnetic fields while maintaining a functional, electronic workspace is the goal of an organic home office.

Computers: Alright, let’s be honest, we all use and likely need a computer in our home. And while it’s the biggest EMF source in the office, it’s still something we need to use on a regular basis (all day sometimes). But there are ways you can make your computer a little bit healthier to match your organic home office space. First hardwire your connections to the computer if possible. WiFi networks produce EMFs in large amounts. If your computer is hardwired, the EMF will travel through the ethernet cable instead of around your home and room.

Also, if you can avoid laptops on your lap that’s best. A desktop computer is going to be the safest bet. And if you can keep the computer wires away from your body and feet while you work this is also another way you can reduce EMF exposure.

Wireless Items: Your speakers, mouse and keyboard might be super convenient or leave your desk looking pretty sleek without any wires, but the truth is they’re emitting higher frequencies of electromagnetic fields in your space. And oftentimes we’re in close proximity to these items — especially the mouse and keyboard. Keeping them wired will reduce the amount of electromagnetic radiation that’s produced. It’s also important to avoid wireless headphones and earbuds for this exact reason.

Ground Your Computer: Grounding your computer can also help reduce the amount of EMFs that are produced in your space. Simply plug your computer into a grounded plug and give it a test using an EMF meter to verify it’s effectiveness.

Printer: Printers are a large source for EMF in the home office. Especially if you’ve got a wireless or bluetooth printer that so many of us have now. You don’t have to get a whole new printer to make your space healthier though. Instead just turn your printer off whenever you’re not using it. It’s an easy solution to keep your space healthy most of the time.

Indoor Air Quality in Your Non Toxic Home Office

Moisture and Humidity: The Silent Air Quality Disruptors Humidity can make or break your home office’s air quality. When moisture levels climb above 45%, you’re creating a perfect breeding ground for dust mites, mildew, and mold. Use a humidity monitor to keep levels between 35-45%. Simple strategies like proper ventilation, limiting indoor plants, and using a dehumidifier can dramatically improve your workspace’s environment.

Dust and Air Quality: Keeping Your Space Clean Dust isn’t just unsightly – it’s a major indoor air quality concern. Dust particles trap toxins and create a breeding ground for allergens. Regular cleaning with microfiber cloths, using an air purifier with a HEPA filter, and maintaining good ventilation can significantly reduce dust accumulation. Consider investing in a high-quality air purifier specifically designed for home offices to capture fine particles and improve overall air quality.

Paints and Finishes: Choosing Toxin-Free Options Traditional paints are hidden toxin carriers. Standard hardware store paints release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can harm your respiratory system and pass through your skin. Opt for zero-VOC paints that minimize toxin release. Emerging natural paint options provide both safety and style, giving you more choices for creating a truly healthy workspace. Be sure to check out my Toxin Free Paint Guide

Healthy Product Storage: Minimizing Toxin Exposure How you store office supplies matters. Choose glass or stainless steel containers over plastic, especially for items like pens, markers, and office supplies. Keep chemicals and cleaning products in sealed containers, preferably in a separate closed cabinet. Consider natural storage solutions that don’t off-gas toxins and help maintain a cleaner indoor environment.

Healthy Habits to Create a Space You Enjoy in Your Non Toxic Office

Creating a natural and pleasant space to work will not only help your productivity, but it also gives you a clear space to help with creativity. Whether your work is technical, creative or you need a lot of room for deep thinking, you have the opportunity to create a space around how you intend to use your organic home office.

Natural Light: This is SO important. Looking at a screen for long periods of time is harmful to our eyes and our brain. Make sure your space has either a window or some pleasant lighting in it. This will not only help you be more productive, but you’ll feel good when you’re working too. Harsh lights like blue tinted LED are usually aggravating, so try to find a more natural incandescent light or use a salt lamp to pair with the bright screen of your computer.

Fresh Air: Because even the organic home office will have a variety of toxins inside, it’s important to bring in fresh air periodically throughout the day. If your office is a closed space where you have the door shut for a large portion of the day, this is especially true. Make it a point to open windows several times a day if possible. You can also run ceiling fans to move air around and make sure air vents are unblocked so your HVAC vents can move air around as well. Turn on your house fan and open the door to your space if nothing else.

Another great addition is to use a high quality air purifier to make sure toxins like mold, plasticizers, pesticides and phthalates are all minimized in your space.

Clutter Free: A cluttered space often leads to a cluttered mind. It’s important to have a clean and neat workspace. For me that means keeping most things off my desk all together. We use storage baskets and drawers for most everything. It’s also important that you are able to find whatever it is that you need at a moment’s notice. Interrupting work to clean up or look for items definitely breaks the creative workflow process and can be a really frustrating task when you’re in the middle of a work project.

Inspired Decor: Most of us have some sort of creativity involved in our work and we need to foster inspiration somehow. Make sure your decor and components of your space inspire you in whatever way you need. Sometimes it’s creative inspiration and sometimes it’s inspiration to make a monetary goal. Either way you can do this with art and meaningful photographs to adorn your space.

Make sure that each item you bring into your non toxic home office is low toxin and healthy, just like we talked about a few weeks ago. Check out this post about interior decor to make your choices as low toxin as possible.

Creating a healthy and organic home office space can help eliminate some toxins that we normally come in contact with on a daily basis. The idea is to eliminate whatever we can and then add on some healthy habits to improve our home office space to be the exact environment we need for whatever kind of work we need to accomplish.