Once the rice is harvested in India, the straw is commonly burnt by small-scale rural farmers to make way for the new crop. This smoke contributes to the smog peaks that cause numerous health problems for the population of northern India, where nine out of 10 of the world’s most polluted cities are situated.
To stop farmers from burning all that straw and polluting the air, IKEA is collecting the straw from rice farmers and turning it into a new line of homeware products. Called Förändring, which means a change in Swedish, the homeware collection comprises around 15 lampshades, vessels, and mats made using a variety of techniques that use up leftover rice straw. For the shades and vessels, 60 percent straw pulp is combined with 40 percent cotton pulp from recycled cotton waste, for a sturdy material base. And since no industrial process exists to make these products, each piece is made by hand and has its own personal touch.
Along with the Förändring collection, IKEA also announced today that it has partnered with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), which helps businesses improve air quality by reducing short-lived climate pollutants. Together, they will work to further IKEA’s clean air projects.
