You know that expression “you get what you pay for”? Well, I think that there’s one exception to that old adage. As consumers the world over will attest, the leading international furniture retailer not only offers quality and efficiency, but also innovation and style in addition to affordability. Yes, I love IKEA (properly pronounced “eeh-kea”). But who doesn’t? Their annual catalogue alone receives arguably the widest readership of any publication, including the Bible! Well, now you can add socially & environmentally responsible to their list of merits.

Whether it is flat-packing products to reduce packaging and transportation emissions, working with Global Charitable partners like UNICEF, Save the Children, WWF, using socially & environmentally responsible materials in its products or having a store format that draws on a larger trade area (instead of more stores), the company has practiced responsible retailing for decades.

I first took notice of the initiatives this company was taking when I spotted these parking stalls during one of my trips to the store last year. I’ve never seen any other store offer preferential parking to customers that drove hybrid cars and I was ecstatic to have found a spot right by the main entrance for my Prius (anyone who’s taken a trip to IKEA on a weekend knows what a bonus this is!). I think any company that goes the extra mile to uphold worthy values deserves a right proper mention and other retailers should really take note because in this new age of conscious consumerism, they can’t afford not to step up their game.

There’s more so read on!

In October 2007, IKEA Canada conducted a customer survey that received more than 60,000 responses which concluded that plastic bags were an environmental issue that needed action. Shortly thereafter, the retailer began charging for its plastic bags, donating the full $0.05 to Tree Canada. Customers responded rapidly to the challenge – with a reduction in plastic bag use by 90 per cent nationally in 6 months.

To continue to collect this kind of valuable customer insight, the company has decided to develop a series of ongoing surveys through www.theikeaway.ca to measure attitude and opinions of consumers about barriers and drivers regarding social and environmental products (S&E), how S&E impacts their decision making process, local and ethical sourcing, the impact of operational efforts by corporations, and their concerns about “greenwashing.” The results will be published on their website and will be shared with customers and the retail industry alike.

In another step, IKEA now only sells and serves UTZ certified coffee at all its stores and offices globally. UTZ Certified is an independent not-for-profit organization that sets a standard for responsible coffee growing and sourcing. This recognized and trustworthy certification traces all coffee back to the plantations and ensures plantation workers’ families have access to reasonable housing, healthcare and education for their children. UTZ Certified also requires that plantations have a low impact on the environment and that farmers minimize the use of energy, water, and work to prevent soil erosion.

These are just a few examples of IKEA’s commitment. Even their press releases are delivered with the environment in mind. News of “The IKEA Way” came to me in a smaller version of one of their iconic blue reusable bags ($1 for the larger bag) which contained a package of UTZ certified coffee, media materials in a USB key made of bamboo – an endlessly renewable resource, and a pin made of Mountain Pine Beetle ravaged wood that would otherwise have been waste. All of this delivered by a bike, hybrid or low emission courier.

Know of any other companies or practices that are worth our buck? Leave us a comment and tell us about them!

About IKEA

IKEA is a leading home furnishings retailer with 260 stores in 36 countries worldwide, which are visited by 522 million people every year. IKEA Canada has 11 stores which are visited by over 25 million people every year. Last year the ikea.com websites attracted 450 million visitors. Founded in 1943, IKEA’s business philosophy is to offer a wide range of products of good design and function at prices so low, the majority of people can afford them.