Swedish furniture firm IKEA is making strides to combat its ecological impact by purchasing almost 11,000 acres of protected forest in the US state of Georgia. IKEA, which uses wood in their furniture production, will not be using any of the trees in the Georgian forest, rather it is part of the company's long-term goal to protect the environment and increase sustainability.
IKEA has purchased the forest from the Conservation Fund, a charity that focuses on protecting and rehabilitating the US wilderness. As part of the deal, IKEA will be handed the responsibility of protecting the land, planting new trees, and protecting the animals that live within the forest. Around 350 animal species are known to inhabit the protected forest.
This is not the first time that IKEA has made a large-scale purchase of land. To date, the company owns 613,000 acres of land in the US and Europe, all of which is managed to the highest environmental standards.
IKEA has previously been heavily criticised for its production practices and many have claimed that the production of 'fast-furniture' has a negative environmental impact. 'Fast-furniture' in which furniture tends to be cheaper and is designed to last only for a few years, as oppose to traditional furniture which is normally designed to last for many decades, has been a key factor in IKEA's massive global expansion.
On the other hand, wood and natural products that can be regrown sustainably, are among the most environmentally friendly materials, unlike say plastics, which have a much heavier impact on the global eco-system.
Krister Mattsson, managing director Ingka Investments (IKEA's US holding company), said in a statement:
"We are committed to managing our forests sustainably while at the same time meeting our business objectives. In all our properties, we pay special attention to ensuring environmental protection, so we are happy to see that our efforts in working with responsible forest management are being seen and trusted."
Larry Selzer, president and CEO of the Conservation Fund, added:
"We are honoured to work with Ingka Group and applaud its dedication to preserve and enhance forest quality in the US and Europe. Well-managed forests provide essential benefits, including clean water and important wildlife habitat, as well as mitigating climate change."
IKEA has also vowed to lower its carbon emissions and improve on recycling, with the long-term goal of being not just 'carbon-neutral', but 'carbon-negative', by the year 2030. To this end, they are investing $700 million this year alone.
[h/t: Global Citizen]
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