22 Tips from IKEA for Home Ecology and Budget Saving

IKEA has launched a project focused on environmental care. Take a look at the advice experts offer to reduce water and electricity consumption, and preserve resources.

How to reduce energy consumption? Make sure that windows and doors do not let cold air in.

When ventilating your apartment, do not leave windows open for too long. It is better to use energy-saving curtains: they keep the house warm in winter and cool in summer. That means you won't need to use a heater or air conditioner as often.

IKEA experts claim that closing curtains every evening can reduce heat loss through windows by about 10%.

Choose LED bulbs

They use 85% less electricity and last 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Use dimmer switches

These not only save energy but also add warmth to your home.

Replace the regular stove with an induction cooktop

It is well known that electric stoves consume a lot of electricity. That's why more and more people choose induction cooktops.

Be attentive when cooking

If you cover a pot or pan with a lid, the food will cook faster. You can finish cooking on residual heat with the stove or oven already turned off. The exhaust fan, by the way, should only be used when necessary.

Use the dishwasher less frequently

Only run it when fully loaded. Turn off the drying function: just slightly open the door after washing.

Wipe down the refrigerator

Dust accumulates on its back wall, which causes the fridge to heat up and use more energy for operation.

Thaw food in the refrigerator

This way, it will release its cold and help reduce energy consumption.

Use the washing machine less often

Similar to the dishwasher, only run it when fully loaded. Choose energy-saving programs at 30 degrees.

Dry clothes on the balcony or at home

If there is no other option, reduce the spin speed in the machine to 500 RPM.

Unplug devices when not in use

In standby mode, devices consume up to 10% of total energy consumption. By the way, it's also not advisable to leave chargers plugged into outlets for the same reason.

Replace worn-out taps

Up to 500 kWh per year is wasted on heating water from a dripping tap. Reducing shower time to five minutes can save another 500 kWh.

How to reduce water consumption?

Do not waste water

According to statistics, you can save up to 40 liters of water per day by turning off the tap while brushing teeth.

If you have more than one child, wash them together in the same bathtub.

Use taps with water-saving features

A flow regulator helps reduce water pressure without noticeable difference. Nevertheless, you can save up to 30% of water and energy.

Do not rinse burnt-on food under running water

Pour a little water into the dish and let it sit for some time. This makes cleaning easier.

Take fewer baths

A bath requires 150 liters of water, while a quick shower only needs 40 liters. You can save up to 40 cubic meters per year.

Reuse water

Fill a bowl with water to wash fruits. Then use that water for watering indoor plants. Instead of waiting for cold water to run before hot water arrives, collect it in a bucket and use it for household tasks.

How else can you help the planet?

Sort waste

You can do this at home: buy special containers for sorting.

Donate items for recycling

The list of recyclable materials can be found here. There is also a nationwide map of waste collection points.

Use dishes made from recycled materials

And biodegradable plastic.

Reuse items

Do not throw away old furniture or clothes that can be repaired.

Plant a mini garden

Many vegetables and fruits can be grown at home instead of being bought in stores. They can also be donated to food charities.