IKEA Canada says it is committed to helping Canadians reduce food waste with practical, affordable, and sustainable solutions and to help tackle these everyday fridge challenges in a fun and practical way it is launching a Fridge Refresh Contest, running until April 21.
It is exclusive for IKEA Family members, a free loyalty program that offers benefits, rewards and inspiration to help Canadians make the most of their homes, it said.
“Across Canada, fridges are overflowing with good intentions: misplaced leftovers, hidden produce, takeout containers stacked in corners, and condiments that seem to multiply on their own. Fridge chaos is a universal reality, and for many households, it’s one of the biggest drivers of food waste in Canada. With busy schedules and crowded shelves, it’s easy to lose track of what’s hiding in the back. These everyday moments quietly add up, contributing to the majority of food waste that happens at home,” explained the company.
“By visiting IKEA.ca/FridgeRefresh Family members can complete a short true-or-false quiz for a chance to win one of three $500 IKEA gift cards.
Food waste at home often isn’t intentional. It’s usually the result of limited visibility, lack of organization and the everyday juggle of real life. While food that’s never eaten generates 8–10% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to the latest data from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), reducing waste doesn’t require perfection – it simply requires better systems.
“Canadians are juggling a lot, and food waste often happens quietly in the background,” said Peter Jones, Head of Sustainability, IKEA Canada. “Small changes in how we store and organize food can help households dramatically cut waste without adding extra stress. At IKEA Canada, we’re committed to making these sustainable actions affordable, practical and easy to build into daily routines, because progress starts at home.”
IKEA said a few small changes can make a meaningful difference. Simple habits like using transparent containers, grouping similar items together, freezing leftovers in airtight solutions or adding simple labels to track dates can help food stay fresher for longer, make ingredients easier to spot and prevent accidental waste. When food is easier to see, it’s easier to use. Airtight containers help keep things fresh, and reusable formats support low-waste habits.
“With rising grocery costs, Canadians don’t need guilt – they need solutions that fit naturally into their routines. When the right tools are easy to reach for, it becomes simpler to use what’s already in the fridge, and people are far more likely to stick with the habit. The result is less food wasted and more money saved – good for households and good for the planet,” said the retail brand.
IKEA Canada is part of Ingka Group which operates 574 IKEA stores in 31 countries, including 15 stores and 11 Plan and order points in Canada. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 33.3 million visitors to its stores and 199.9 million visitors to IKEA.ca.
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