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Simple ways to reduce waste at home

Simple ways to reduce waste at home

Household waste is a global problem, with one billion meals being wasted each day*. 1 out of every 4 bags of food shopping are wasted each day*.

Even when you live frugally, there’s always waste at home. Sorting recyclables and organising the fridge are two ways to help reduce waste – as well as making your home a little tidier you save money too.​

Tips for reducing food waste

Tips for reducing food waste

Plan your shop and cook your plan ​

Planning your meals or snacks for the week can not only save time but can save on food waste too. ​Remember, before you shop, check the ingredients you already have or plan your meals to use what’s in your pantry, fridge or freezer.​

Save some for later​​

Leftovers can make great lunches – so, get smart about storing them. A leak-proof lunch box can give you a cheap and tasty lunch on the go the next day.​​

Clip it up and pop it in the freezer​

A simple sealing clip can help to reduce the amount of wasted food in your everyday life. Many foods come in larger packages than we need. So, when you don’t need to use it all at one time, seal it up to help keep it fresh or freeze it for later. ​

Make food go further​​

Have too much fruit and veg? Why not preserve them? Try making jams, pickles and chutneys and store them in glass jars or freeze them for smoothies. Also, vegetable peels are perfect for broths, soups and stews.
What we're doing! Reducing food waste in our stores

What we're doing! Reducing food waste in our stores

Reducing food waste is a priority at IKEA. Since 2016, we have cut production food waste (grams per cover) at IKEA stores by 60.5%, saving around 37.8 million portions of food.
Learn more

Get your waste sorting sorted

Sorting is easier if each type of recyclable material has a dedicated container – either freestanding or built into a larger solution. Less waste to landfill, and a tidier home to boot.
Get your waste sorting sorted

Recycle in every room

Setting up a recycling solution in every room makes sense. The closer a bin is to where you are, the more likely you are to use it. Involve the whole family while you’re at it!
Recycle in every room

Recycle in the bathroom

For many, the bathroom is a difficult place to keep on top of. Gather up empty shower bottles, toilet paper rolls and toothpaste tubes, as soon as you finish them. More recycling means a tidier bathroom.
Recycle in the bathroom

Don’t throw it all away

Waste isn’t always waste. Try growing seeds in old egg boxes or using newspaper as gift-wrap, for instance. Think outside the box, and think circular – how else could it be used?
Don’t throw it all away

Enjoy your favourite drink with your favourite mug – wherever you are

A travel mug can be used as an infusion bottle with fruits, to make herbal beverages, cold-brewed coffee, or to brew your favourite tea on the go. Wash after use and it’s ready for the next time.

Enjoy your favourite drink with your favourite mug – wherever you are

Store, wash and reuse

Preparing a meal in advance, or need to put away leftovers in the fridge? By storing food in a container, or using a washable and reusable food cover, you can avoid using single-use plastic wrap or foil.
Store, wash and reuse

Refill and reuse

Instead of buying a new bottle of water every time you get thirsty, try carrying a reusable water bottle and refilling it through your day. A great way to reduce single-use waste and make the most of what you have.
Refill and reuse

Quick and easy tips for more sustainable living

More and more people are interested in reducing the impact they have on the planet, but many don’t really know how to do it. Sustainable living is all about making small everyday changes to everyday life. Because that's the beauty of small things – together they add up.

Quick and easy tips for more sustainable living

Choose better food
Your food choices can make a difference, from plant-based to certified products from responsible sources. Discover more easy wins to eat more sustainably.
Choose better food Learn more
Choose better food

Love it longer
The potential to repurpose, repair, reuse, resell or recycle products is growing all the time. Find out about the small steps you can take to give your furniture a longer life.
Love it longer Learn more
Love it longer

Use less energy
So many parts of the home can have a direct impact on your energy use. Fortunately, we have some quick tricks for you to save energy at home.
Use less energy Learn more
Use less energy

Use less water
With a fresh look at your household habits, you could save many litres of precious fresh water every day. Take a look at our smart solutions to save water at home.
Use less water Learn more
Use less water

A sustainable everyday

A more sustainable way of life is achievable for us all. Discover how.
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A sustainable everyday

Sustainable living shop

Browse our range of products for a more sustainable everyday life.
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Sustainable living shop