Take a Page out of Ikea's Book and Reduce, Reuse and Recycle


I love Ikea and now I have just found a reason to not only love them, but to be inspired by them.  I know that they are into green and offer CFL recycling stations in their stores.  Plus by January of 2011, they will be the first US retailer to phase out the sale of incandescent lighbulbs. 

“IKEA is committed to integrating sustainability into all IKEA strategies and practices in the entire product life cycle. We also believe our customers are looking for every day environmentally responsible solutions for themselves. Eliminating incandescents is a simple way to lead the charge for IKEA customers to use energy saving light bulbs, thus reducing energy consumption and reducing the amount of greenhouses gases. It’s a little step with a big impact on our planet,” commented Mike Ward, US IKEA President.

Now I find out that they have created a sort of Ikea's list online (now only in Swedenbut coming soon to you ) to help people resell their gently used Ikea furniture!  The service is free to sellers and shoppers and would seem to go against their bottom line.

Peter Agnefäll, CEO of IKEA Sweden told the daily newspaper Dagens Nyheter about this innitiative : “It is about taking an environmental responsibility for how our products are used in the longer term and making it easier for our customers to do their part for their responsibility towards the environment.”

Oh and did I mention Ikea is not taking a cut in any way from this initiative?  I guess Ikea's bottom line does not just contain profit for profit's sake but a vision for a greener future for all.
Folks when it comes time to get rid of any of your home furnishings, take a page out of Ikea's book and reduce, reuse and recycle.  Find a friend who needs it, ask a mom if her college age kid could use it or sell it on Craigslist!

With a little extra effort, you too can help save our planet...one couch, chair or table at a time. 

P.S.- I am really glad that you stopped by our Environmental Booty Blog and I hope you have learned or shared a thing or two.  I hope that , now that you've found us,  you won't lose us!  You can join our green living online community, subscribe to our posts download our community toolbar, Tweet with me on Twitter or Come Shop with Me to stay in touch!  - Shane :)

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