You may have seen me post a few times using the hashtag #LiveLAGOM recently, so I thought I would take the time to explain it in a little more detail, and tell you why I have decided to be involved in the campaign.
I am a LiveLAGOM (IKEA) ambassador next year. Now I’m sure at this point you are thinking, what the devil does that mean? Well lagom comes from the Swedish phrase ‘Lagom är bäst’ which translates to ‘the right amount is best’. A balance of not denying yourself what you love, whilst not taking from the planet more than you need. IKEA believe it’s an idea with the power to change the way people feel about sustainability. So as part of this myself, and the other LiveLAGOM ambassadors, are hoping to learn and push forward with making changes, and sharing those with communities all around the world.
We are all at different stages I would say, some far more advanced in their knowledge of sustainability than others. I’d say I am definitely in the early learning stages. I’m determined to be better though, and its been something I have thought about lots recently.
At home we have done a few things so far already :
- Cavity wall insulation recently fitted.
- Added extra insulation and boarded out our loft.
- Extra layers added to most of the windows, with double thickness Roman blinds, or a concealed second blinds on most windows.
- We have lowered our thermostat, and had HIVE fitted. We recently got a report from HIVE that said our home was on average 1.5 degrees cooler than other houses who have HIVE which I am so pleased about.
- We have secondary double glazing. We would love to have Double glazing, but that’s beyond our budget, as are solar panels.
- We recycle (not effectively enough though)
LiveLagom : Food storage is one of my priorities!
The things I am pledging to do :
- Wash at 30 degrees
- Create a more effective recycle space, that all the family can use and be involved in
- Change all of the lights to LED
- Food Waste – A huge problem for me, so I will learn more about what I can freeze and batch cook more.
- Create a meal plan and shopping list every week, be more organised with food and use leftovers
- Always take out reusable shopping bags (we are getting better at this, but we need more work)
- Grow more herbs and salads
- Pass everything I learn in this project on to my daughters and continue to live more sustainably!
- Not part of the project, by I am going to change my fridge freezer to one that is more energy-efficient
- We have looked at changing some of our taps to ones that will use less water, and we are looking into whether this is possible
- Walk and use my bicycle more, and encourage the rest of the family to do so too
“There is virtue in moderation”
So By living LAGOM it means that I will be saving money, energy and water, reducing waste and living a healthier lifestyle overall.
I have so far attended an inspiring workshop, and also had home visit from the IKEA and their partners in this project Hubbub. More of which you can read about HERE. I have a shopping trip coming up next week where I can purchase some of the items that will help me achieve my pledges.
I thought I would share with you my choices :
Mrs H says
This is such a brilliant campaign. I know that my family could be more sustainable. But it is hard to know where to make the changes. I will look forward to following this campaign on your blog and to seeing the changes that you make. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
Ali says
Brilliant – so cool to know that bigger brands are doing something right… Joanna Yarrow gets my vote! 🙂