IKEA will launch new Sustainable Living Shops in UK stores to help customers live more eco-friendly lives at home.
Launching ahead of the COP26 summit in Glasgow (31st October - 12th November), it comes as research from the Swedish retailer discovered that more than half of Brits aren't taking action against climate change because they find sustainable products too expensive. Meanwhile, 26 per cent said the uncertainty around jobs has made them more conscious about where they spend their money.
While eco products may appear more expensive on initial glance, research suggests that unsustainable living can actually be more costly. In fact, the average adult in the UK throws away an estimated £395 of food each year — £21 billion as a nation.
IKEA's 'shop-in-shop' initiative, situated within UK stores, will focus on five key areas where shoppers can take action: use less energy, create less waste, reduce single use, care, repair, resell and recycle, and use less water. Not only will there be eco-friendly products to snap up, but the shops will also provide clever solutions, tips and advice that support easy changes in everyday life.
As part of its journey to becoming circular and climate positive by 2030, the flatpack giant hopes the new sustainable stores will encourage others to go green at home.
"Our homes and the way we live have a big impact on the planet. We want to show our customers that sustainable living can be affordable and convenient," says Clare Rodgers, Sustainability Retail Operations Manager at Ingka Group.
"We know from our research that many IKEA customers want to live sustainably, but don't know how but they need support plus advice on what to do and they want it to be affordable. This shop is an opportunity to influence and enable more people to live a sustainable life and offer tips in how to reduce their climate footprint. With millions of IKEA store visits each year, we have the opportunity to reach a huge audience."
Eco warrior Nureen Glaves, a public health nutritionist and chef from North London, estimates she has saved a whopping £15,000 over the last five years since being introduced to IKEA'S Live Lagom programme. First launched in 2015, it helps bring communities together to share tips on how to live more sustainability.
"Making small changes to the way I live and consume has made a significant impact over time," explains Nureen. "When it comes to food, I've started a three-step system, dividing meals into "classics", "restaurant inspired" and wildcard" – which has saved me a lot of money over the years.
"Classic meals should account for two to three dishes per week and are dinners your family know and love. Then, over the weekend as a treat I like to make what I call restaurant inspired meals – copying dishes you’d usually try out of home. Finally, wildcard meals are an option for the remaining days and are made up of whatever is left over, which drastically reduces how much I throwaway."
9 items at Ikea that will help you live more sustainably
RYET LED bulb, 90p
This energy saving LED light bulb uses 85 per cent less energy and can be sure to brighten your home for up to 20 years.
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HILJA Curtain, £12
Made from recycled PET bottles, these curtains are green in more ways than one.
'Made from recycled PET bottles, this collection reduces the consumption of new raw materials, whilst welcoming soft textures and colours into your home,' says Hege.
BITTERGURKA Hanging planter, £8
Use this hanging planter to show off the herbs you’ve grown at home.
KRYDDA/VÄXER Grow kit with 8 pots, 1 tier, £64.50
Grow your own plants at home with the help of this nursery kit.
'With special cultivation lights, fertiliser, pumice stones and a built-in shelf that allows for airflow, the kit guarantees the perfect amount of water, light and shelter is given to your plants. They are perfect for smaller, urban homes that lack natural light,' says Hege.
VARIERA Ventilated waste sorting bin, £5
Monitor your food waste with the VARIERA sorting bin. The holes along the sides make it easy to ventilate and dry out organic waste.
IKEA 365+ Jar with lid, £5.75
Reduce your food waste with this sleek glass container, sure to keep your food fresher for longer and lower your use of foil and cling film in the kitchen.
KUNGSBACKA Door, £22
Ikea's KUNGSBACKA kitchen units are stylish and sustainable, having been made from recycled wood and PET bottles.
NYVATTNET Kitchen mixer tap, £90
This tap adds a luxurious look and feel to your kitchen whilst saving water and energy thanks to its innovative design.
IKEA 365+ Water bottle £2
Take this durable, reusable water bottle on the go to reduce the amount of single use plastic you use.
