7 Simple Eco-Ideas from IKEA You'll Want to Implement Right Away

Living sustainably is simple. You can take the first step toward a more mindful lifestyle with home products or solutions that help you be more respectful of our planet's resources — for example, by reducing waste or growing your own greens.

Recently, IKEA released 11 free design projects for an eco-friendly lifestyle on the online platform 'Flatpack'. We spoke with Ulyana Yarygina, the leader of the interior design team at 'Flatpack', and learned about seven simple home solutions that help you start living sustainably.

Efficient Food Storage

Many people face the issue where food bought in bulk spoils faster than it can be consumed, leading to waste. Sound familiar?

IKEA Design ProjectThe main tip here is to shop with a shopping list. But if you’ve already bought food for several days, use transparent glass containers for storage. These allow you to always see which products are running low and which ones are still plenty. They also extend the freshness of food, allowing it to last longer.

See how these containers blend naturally into the kitchen interior of an eco-minimalist apartment design project! And don’t forget about smart organization in the refrigerator to keep all food fresh for longer.IKEA Design ProjectWaste Sorting

If you wanted to start sorting waste but thought it wouldn’t work in your space, we have good news for you. It’s actually possible even in a small kitchen.

IKEA Design ProjectDifferent-sized containers will help you create a convenient waste sorting zone on any kitchen. They work well for sorting various types of waste. For example, large containers for bulky waste like canned goods, plastic, and paper can be placed under the sink, while small containers for storing batteries and light bulbs can fit in kitchen drawers or cabinets. In the design project of a home that supports a healthy lifestyle and protects natural resources, the sorting area is located right under the sink — an optimal solution for small kitchens.IKEA Design ProjectGrowing Your Own Greens

Having your own garden on the windowsill? Yes, it’s possible! You just need to find the right spot and lighting, choose appropriate pots and seed trays, and ensure optimal temperature and humidity levels.

IKEA Design ProjectA small greenhouse like the SOCKER is perfect for this: it helps create good growing conditions for plants and allows you to grow fresh greens even in a city apartment. Additionally, such greenhouses can be used for caring for indoor plants.

Transform your home into a blooming garden simply with the transparent HILLIS cover — it turns any shelf into a multi-level greenhouse. Instead of a windowsill, you can place the greenhouse directly on such a shelf, as our designers did in the eco-minimalist apartment design project, where it’s easy to work and relax spiritually.IKEA Design ProjectWater Conservation

Water is one of the planet’s most valuable resources. Conserving it not only involves mindful consumption — such as reducing shower time — but also special home solutions.

IKEA Design ProjectNo complex devices required: for example, instead of regular mixers, use mixers with built-in aerators. They help save water and reduce energy consumption for heating hot water.

Another solution is using special inserts in the sink — they also promote water conservation. For example, you can soak dishes or wash vegetables in them beforehand and then pour the water into a watering can to reuse it for plants.

IKEA Design ProjectInterior Items Made from Recycled Materials

By choosing items made from recycled materials, we reduce the consumption of raw materials and decrease the burden on our planet's resources.

IKEA Design ProjectSuch items can be both eco-friendly and stylish — for example, the bathroom curtain KLOKAREN. It's made from recycled polyester, which means it’s made from former plastic bottles. This is an excellent solution for a small bathroom in minimalist style, such as the one our designers created in the eco-minimalist home design project that supports a healthy lifestyle and protects natural resources.

IKEA Design ProjectReducing Waste

Want to minimize waste in the easiest way possible? Use reusable containers!

IKEA Design ProjectGlass jars with lids are perfect for this purpose. You can store skincare products that you can buy in bulk, as well as products purchased by weight. They also look stylish in any interior.

IKEA Design ProjectExtending the Life of Interior Items

Instead of throwing away outdated or damaged furniture items, consider repairing or restoring them.

IKEA Design ProjectFor example, wooden countertops covered with oak veneer can be treated with wood oil yourself, and a wooden chair can be painted to extend its lifespan by several years. This is especially important for families with children, where such surfaces are constantly used — we took this into account in the design project of a home for a healthy lifestyle. By extending the life of furniture items, you contribute to a more eco-friendly future where things last longer and waste is generated less often.

IKEA Design Project