New Year's resolution: to be more sustainable
New Year's resolutions are something that come to mind every New Year's Eve. After everything we've experienced this year and all the plans put on hold, we're likely to have a few in mind.
One of the resolutions that we're sure that more than one person will make is to be more sustainable. Fortunately, as the years go by, we are becoming increasingly aware that being sustainable and caring for the environment is essential to living a better life.
Let's see how you can accomplish this magnificent resolution easily, day by day, and stick with it!
How to recycle all kinds of rubbish at home
Recycling is one of the principles of sustainability, so this is a great place to start with our New Year's resolution. The most important thing is to properly sort each type of waste, without mixing anything and making it clear what goes in each bin.
If you think that a lack of space in your kitchen is an issue, it's because you haven't considered using our KARDORNA waste sorting inserts, which enable you to recycle three types of waste in a single space. Another option is to have stackable rubbish bins, like SORTERA, so you can take advantage of vertical space.
Also, always keep in mind that items such as batteries, bulbs, medicines or even oil, among other things, are also recycled in specific, appropriate facilities, so do not mix them with other waste.
In this video, we give you some quick tips for recycling in your kitchen in a simple and convenient way. Press play!
LED bulbs: advantages and design
We're sure that you still have some not-so-sustainable bulbs in your home that aren't LED. Did you know that at IKEA, all of the light bulbs we sell are LED? They consume much less energy compared to traditional bulbs, making them another fundamental step to consider in your New Year's resolution to be more sustainable.
For example, our RYET bulb, an LED bulb that consumes approximately 85% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and lasts up to 15,000 hours. In other words, you can use it to read for one hour each night for the next 41 years. What do you think?
Donate the clothes you don't use: cleaning out your wardrobe
Another wonderful way to start off the year is to get rid of everything that no longer contributes to our lives. And we're sure that one of those things is clothing. How many pilled jumpers do you have in your wardrobe? What about the shirt your first girlfriend gave you in 1995? Remove all the clothing from your wardrobe, clean it thoroughly inside and donate all the things that you don't wear and that are in good condition. Give them a second life!
At IKEA, we believe strongly in the circular economy, and your clothes can be part of it. Don't you think? Also, when you see your wardrobe as neat and clean as this one, you will feel so satisfied.
Give your furniture a second life
And just like you've cleaned out your wardrobe… you can also give your furniture a new lease of life! How? By selling it through our buy-back and resale service.
The products that IKEA buys back are sold for the same price offered to their owners in a store space called the "Circular Hub" (formerly called the As-Is Bargain Corner).
It's a wonderful way to be sustainable in this new year that's approaching, letting your furniture find its place in a new home.
Want to turn your living room into a more environmentally friendly space? Check out the following video and take note of all the ideas for sustainability at home.
Origin and sustainability of products: look carefully
Finally, to achieve this New Year's resolution to be more sustainable, we recommend that you start being more attentive and aware. How? By checking the source of the things that you purchase and consume.
- Always check the label of the products, whatever they may be (even of food), to find out where they are manufactured and what materials are used.
- Learn about brand sustainability plans. Want to see some of the things that IKEA is doing? Click here.
- Learn about the best materials in terms of sustainability and how they are manufactured.
If you want more sustainability-related ideas to learn even more and achieve your New Year's resolution, don't miss the following articles.
We love it when customers use our products in a creative way. Why not try to do something new with them yourself? But do remember, any modifications or changes that you make to IKEA products will prevent them from being resold or used for their original purpose, thus invalidating IKEA product warranties and your right to return them.
