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IKEA Energy-saving LED bulb.

IKEA Lights the Way Through Renewable and Sustainable Practices

by Reese Randall

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March 10, 2021

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Solar panels abound.

 

It is safe to say if given a choice, a consumer covets good shopping that does some good. Especially in today’s world of climate change and the evolution to renewable energy. In fact, renewable energy is projected to continue to grow strongly in the coming decade and beyond, according to Ren21 Renewable Now, an online global renewable energy community.

Really good shopping that does a lot of good can be found at IKEA. The chic, well-designed, functional home furnishing company is launching a new Forest Positive Agenda for 2030 to further expedite the work to enhance biodiversity and mitigate climate change globally. More than 98-percent of the wood used for IKEA products is either FSC-certified or recycled. FSC, or Forest Stewardship Council is an international, non-government organization dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests.

IKEA inspires such stewardship, as well as enabling as many people as possible to live more sustainably, according to Gina Bogaski, Loyalty Manager at IKEA Pittsburgh.

“We’re also doing our part by transforming the way we work to become circular and climate positive and to have a positive social impact wherever we are in the world,” says Bogaski.

The aim for IKEA is certain.

“To use more renewable and recycled materials, eliminate waste in our operations and change the way we design products and the services we offer to prolong the life of products,” says Bogaski.

There has been a switch in IKEA’s entire lighting range to energy-efficient LED.

“Additionally, all of the cotton we use in our products comes from more sustainable sources, such as VARIERA,” explains Bogaski. VARIERA is a modular recycling system that customers can customize to get a completely personal solution. “The bins are easy to lift and carry, and the lids lock in odors. Made from 70-percent recycled plastic, VARIERA is good for both you and the planet,” says Bogaski.

Currently, IKEA has 54 rooftop solar arrays atop 90-percent of its U.S. locations.

“We aim to have a positive impact on people and planet, which is why sustainability is embedded in every part of our business,” explains Jennifer Keesson, Country Sustainability Manager, IKEA Retail U.S.

“Ingka Group (a strategic partner in the IKEA franchise system) has invested in two solar parks with 403-megawatt capacity in Utah and Texas,” says Keesson. “This addition of eight solar projects is the latest in a series of investments IKEA has made in renewable energy and marks a significant step forward in our goals to be climate positive.”

Working with community organizations to support sustainability initiatives locally is also in constant action.

Bogaski adds, “At IKEA Pittsburgh, we strive to partner and act as a conduit for positive change in our region.”

Find out more about IKEA and its sustainability efforts. IKEA, 2001 Park Manor Blvd.; 412-747-0440, www.ikea.com.

 

 

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Sustainable cotton and responsibly-sourced wood.

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Reese Randall writes bi-weekly stories for The Green Voice. She's also the contributing restaurant editor for IN Community Magazines and food stylist for GNC. To see more food, fashion, photos and videos, go to reeserandall.com