IKEA has launched a new buy-back scheme whereby customers can return their old furniture in exchange for monetary vouchers. IKEA places items in areas called “circular hubs” around their stores for re-sale.
So what?
Though the monetary vouchers may encourage a “buy new, dispose of the old” attitude, where the old is being disposed matters. A buy-back scheme like this diverts waste that would otherwise go to landfill. It also encourages sustainable habits – both by offering the option to return old furniture and making the old furniture available for purchase at a lower price. IKEA’s buy-back scheme is just one example of corporations moving away from just achieving internal green goals to also supporting wider sustainable habits. These kinds of initiatives ensure sustainability becomes a collective effort and makes it easier to attain.
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