Top tips for sustainable living
At IKEA, we believe that everyone has the potential to reduce our impact on the environment. Here are some simple ideas for you to start putting into practice in your everyday life at home. Take note and help the planet!
Small steps make a big difference
IKEA has a goal: to provide inspiration and enable millions of people around the world to live better while caring for the planet. It is a very ambitious goal, but through small changes to our habits, it can be achieved. "Using more sustainable options like switching to LED bulbs or growing your own herbs often imply other advantages such as saving time or money", explains Joanna Yarrow, Head of Sustainability and Healthy Living at IKEA.
Another way to reduce our carbon footprint is to always choose sustainable and organic food and products. In other words, goods that are manufactured and produced using processes that are respectful of the environment and the work of the people who make them.
Going vegetarian three days a week could reduce your carbon footprint by 9%. IKEA vegetarian meatballs are a tasty way to do a bit better by the planet.
Cook in batches
Try cooking your food for the whole week in a day and use storage containers, such as the IKEA 365+ range, to store your food in the fridge or in the freezer. This way you'll only need to cook once or twice a week, and you'll be saving energy and producing less waste as you'll have your meals ready-prepared and portioned in food containers.
Always recycle
A modular recycling system in your kitchen is the best way to be more environmentally friendly and doesn't take up much space. Another option might be stackable bins. You will find a range of options for recycling bins in our stores so there's no excuse!
You can reduce your carbon footprint by using things that you already have. This is a win-win for everyone: we improve our lives while generating a positive impact on the planet.”
Joanna Yarrow, Head of Sustainability and Healthy Living at IKEA
Switch out your bulbs for LEDs
Choose durable, environmentally friendly solutions. LED bulbs consume less electricity and last up to 20 years. Using a rechargeable battery could prevent 1,500 disposable batteries from ending up in a landfill.
Another way to save electricity at home is to use appliances with an A++ energy efficiency rating. Using an induction hob also saves energy, more so than other types of hobs. All these changes have an impact on your budget and on the planet.
Reduce your tumble dryer use
Drying clothes on a drying rack instead of in a tumble dryer can reduce your carbon footprint by 4% and save you money on your energy bill. Use your tumble dryer for emergencies only!
Save water
Try making your showers last no more than three minutes to reduce water consumption by up to 50 litres a day. If you do take a little longer, IKEA taps and showers help you reduce water consumption by up to 50%.
Need more ideas and tips for sustainable living? We have lots more! Here is a small selection:
We love it when customers use our products creatively. Why not try to do something new with them yourself? But do remember, any modifications or changes made 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.
