Ikea gives staff chance to get on their bikes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ikea, the Swedish retail chain, showed its green credentials yesterday by giving all 9,000 of its workers a free bicycle.
The store handed out the £139 fold-up bike and offered a 15 per cent subsidy on public transport at its Christmas breakfast. Last year the Christmas present was a portable DVD player and in 2004 staff received an MP3 player.
This year the flatpack furniture specialist decided that giving a bike would send a strong environmental message.
The bicycle is the store's second high-profile green gesture this year following its decision to introduce a charge for plastic bags and encourage reusable ones. Plastic bag take-up at checkouts is down by 97 per cent.
"We want to create a better everyday life for the many, and do what we can to make greener living possible," Ikea's UK manager, Peter Hogsted, said. "The bike is a fun present but there is a serious message. We all have a responsibility to do what we can to protect the environment."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments