Earth Day is a much-needed reminder that we can make small changes to live a more sustainable life at home. Each year, many Canadians take the opportunity to look at innovative ways to cut water and energy consumption, or minimize waste where possible – but with all of the information out there it can be difficult to find the options that work best for you.
To make this a bit easier, IKEA has compiled its top 10 tips for a more sustainable life at home. — from recycling to water and energy consumption to reducing waste. Here they are:
1. Choose toys that are safe for kids and better for our planet. (The MULA collection is a series of safe and durable wooden toys that stimulate children’s creativity.)
2. Opt for solar lighting, both indoors and out. (The SUNNAN work lamp combines low-energy LED technology with solar panels. For every SUNNAN sold in IKEA stores worldwide, one will be donated through UNICEF to children in Pakistan. These lamps enable children to read, write and study in the evenings, even if their homes have no electricity.)
3. Cut down on food waste by storing and using leftovers. Using food storage containers (such as RARITET) can help cut down on wasted CO2 emissions from food production, as well as waste.
4. Use less water. Make sure your faucets are using as little water as possible. (The RINGSKÄR tap comes with a flow control function, which can adjust the water flow in two steps and reduce water use by 30 per cent.)
5. Recycle at home. (The RATIONELL easy-to-clean sorting bins help organize and recycle household waste simply and easily.)
6. Dispose of batteries and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in a responsible way. (Since 2001, IKEA has offered a “Free Take Back” recycling program — even for non-IKEA brands.)
7. Go organic whenever possible. Organic agriculture excludes the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and strives to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance. (Organic SYLT jams are one of the many organic food products sold in the Swedish Food Market at IKEA.)
8. Buy furniture and accessories made from waste materials. (The LUSY BLOM cushion is stuffed with leftover material from the production of other IKEA products.)
9. Skip the dryer and let clothing air-dry. (Instead of using an energy heavy dryer, hang laundry on the TVÄTTA drying rack instead.)
10. Unplug computers and TVs when not in use. A power-strip that can be turned on and off (such as KOPPLA) prevents energy loss and can save up to 10 per cent on your electric bill.
As Canadians join together to celebrate Earth Day, it's important to remember that working towards a more sustainable future is a never ending job. See IKEA’s full list and follow its progress at: www.IKEA.ca/theneverendinglist
Link
No comments:
Post a Comment