Embracing Sustainability with IKEA’s Live Lagom Program

As a busy mum of a large family, finding ways to simplify life and maintain balance is always a priority. When I was given the opportunity to participate in IKEA’s Live Lagom program, I jumped at the chance. This year-long initiative focuses on sustainability and making small changes that can have a big impact. So far, our family has delved into topics such as food storage, growing your own & combating food waste, and I’d like to share the start of the journey with you.

Introduction to the Live Lagom Program

Live Lagom, a Swedish phrase meaning “just the right amount,” is IKEA’s sustainability program that encourages participants to live a more balanced and sustainable life. In each session, we explore different aspects of sustainable living, from reducing waste to conserving energy. The program began with an introduction that gave us insight into Lagom and what we would be looking at through throughout the program & emphasizing that small, manageable changes can make a significant difference.

Combating Food Waste with Smart Storage Solutions

One of the first topics we tackled was food storage and waste reduction. With a large family, managing food effectively has been tough. The program provided us with practical tips and products from IKEA to help minimize food waste. Here are some strategies we’ve implemented:

• Proper Food Storage: Using airtight containers and glass jars from IKEA, we’ve significantly reduced the amount of food that goes bad before we can use it. These containers not only keep our food fresh for longer but also make our fridge and pantry look neat and organized.
• Meal Planning: We have been meal planning for a while as a family as meal times were always one of the hardest points of our day. This has helped us buy only what we need, reducing the likelihood of food spoiling before it’s eaten.
• Leftover Love: We’ve become more creative with leftovers, turning them into new meals rather than letting them go to waste.

These simple changes have not only helped us reduce waste but also saved us money on our grocery bills.

Growing Our Own Food

Another exciting aspect of the Live Lagom program is the focus on growing our own food. As someone with an allotment, I’ve always liked getting stuck into gardening. This year, we are. growing strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, and more. Here’s how growing our own food has benefited our family:

• Cost Savings: Growing our own produce has significantly cut down our grocery expenses. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be pricey, but having them in our backyard makes them easily accessible and budget-friendly.
• Healthy Eating: There’s something incredibly rewarding about eating food you’ve grown yourself. It’s fresher, tastier, and more nutritious. Our children also enjoy the process, which encourages them to eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Educational Experience: Gardening is a fantastic learning experience, especially for our home-ed kids. They’re involved in almost every step, from planting seeds to harvesting delicious crops. This hands-on approach teaches them about nature, responsibility, and sustainability.

Reflecting on Our Journey

Participating in the Live Lagom program has so far been an enlightening experience. It’s shown us that sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, thoughtful changes in our daily lives can lead to significant benefits for our family and the planet.

Our journey is far from over. Each session brings new insights and practices that we’re excited to incorporate into our lives. As we continue, I’ll be sharing more updates and tips on how you too can live a more sustainable and balanced life.

Simplifying Sustainability

Being part of IKEA’s Live Lagom program has reinforced the importance of sustainability in our daily lives. By making small, sustainable changes, we’ve been able to reduce waste, save money, and create a healthier environment for our family. Whether it’s through smarter food storage or growing our own produce, these practices are easy to adopt and have a lasting impact. I encourage everyone to take small steps towards sustainability and see the positive changes they can bring to your life and the world around you.

Stay tuned for more updates from our Live Lagom journey and join us in making a difference, one simple step at a time.

Take a deep breath, you’re doing amazing. Let’s simplify and prioritise what truly matters, together.

Nina x