Smart Choices at IKEA

T and I took a trip to IKEA Sunday to purchase some pieces for this closet we're building. We didn't have a specific plan to go green; we're just trying to use our space better. So, we get there, and Sunday happens to be Earth Day, and IKEA has an eco scavenger hunt going on! As we walk through the store, there are several signs about steps they are doing, and tips for us: 

1) Going LED to save energy and save $$. Yes, LED bulbs cost more up front, but for every watt saved, you spend less on your electric bill. 

 

2) Save $ and packaging by growing your own produce, and use hanging planters if you have a compact space...

 

 3) IKEA is using recycled wood and plastic in their KUNGSBACKA product line. 

Each of the signs points you to ikea-usa.com/people+planet to learn more. While IKEA is by no means a fully sustainable company today (all my closet items were wrapped in plastic), the site outlines extensive options of things you can do around your home, ex:

• reduce energy and extend your clothes life with lower washing temperature
• insulate your home with rugs and curtains
• reduce water waste with low flow faucets

as well as their plans to improve in the coming years, ex:

•  with a commitment to sustainable wood sourcing by 2020
• by installing over 700,000 solar panels on IKEA buildings 
• and simplifying product design to reduce packaging and shipping volume.

These commitments aren't surprising when you look at a history of smart changes by IKEA. A prime example is the redesign of the Expedit cube shelf in 2014, which was rebranded as the Kallax shelf.

The only difference is the chunky outer border is about 1cm thinner. This minor change really adds up when multiplied by the large quantity of units they sell: several sources state that IKEA uses 1% of the world's commercial wood supply. This change makes the shelves use less raw materials, weigh less to ship, and cost less to produce. Wins all around.

While I often talk about buying second-hand, you can also be thoughtful by selecting better products or companies with a sustainability or corporate responsibility commitment. Next time you're shopping for new products, take a look at the company's website - you may be pleasantly surprised to find a mission surrounding product design, packaging design, self-sustaining facilities, or other community initiatives to balance their footprint.