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Small steps for a better world

“You can have a positive climate impact in most aspects of your daily life,” says Joanna Yarrow, head of sustainable and healthy living at IKEA. The new A better World Starts At Home movement shows that together we all have the power to make a difference.

Take action together

“Sustainability can seem overwhelming,” says Joanna. “With everyday life as our starting point, we looked at how we can work together for a positive impact.” A Better World Starts At Home is about empowering and enabling. “We found you could halve your carbon footprint by using what’s already available. If you use IKEA cotton, for example, you’re doing good as it’s 100% sustainably sourced.”

There are so many easy ways to make a difference. By turning off the water while you brush your teeth, you can save up to 40 litres every day.
Joanna Yarrow, head of sustainable and healthy living at IKEA

Make conscious choices

The first wave of the movement focuses on climate action. “We spoke to people in 14 countries about climate action and how it relates to them,” says Joanna. “There was concern and a lot of motivation to act. But many people didn’t know what to do. We want to help kick-start the journey to living a better life within the limits of the planet, through knowledge, products, services and insights.”

We can’t solve the whole thing but there’s a lot we can do together. And many climate-positive actions have an upside – saving us time, money and improving our wellbeing.
Joanna Yarrow, head of sustainable and healthy living at IKEA

Healthier habits for everyone

“There’s a feel-good factor that comes from achieving something. You experience the benefits and it’s motivating,” says Joanna. IKEA FAMILY is running workshops in-store to share practical tips and learn together, like ‘Container Cuisine’ with recipes for turning leftovers into delicious meals, and ‘In-Season Living’, for climate- and wallet-friendly tips to transition your home between seasons.

I use the KRYDDA VÄXER hydroponic kit to grow salad leaves and greens indoors. It saves money and I get fresh produce, with no food miles or packaging.
Joanna Yarrow, head of sustainable and healthy living at IKEA

Getting started

“There’s a broad range of climate hero products that help you have a positive impact,” says Joanna. “From swapping to long-lasting LED lighting, to cooking on an induction hob, growing your own food and choosing IKEA taps to reduce your water consumption by up to 40%. These are all concrete ways to take action. These choices really add up, and none of them are radical or about going without.”

Download the new Better Living app to find 75 eco ideas to try at home, and to see how much energy, carbon or water you’re saving in real time.

We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.

Check online to see which IKEA FAMILY workshops are running in your local store

Photographers: Dan Duchars (picture 1), Kille Enna (pictures 3 and 5)

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