Ikea- Green and Safe?

As I was saying in previous articles (More Chemicals in Your Baby and Mattresses Free of Polybrominated Flame Retardants), all sorts of nasty chemicals are found where you expect them the least (furniture and chairs) and it is not that easy to get rid of them (this article is rather old, but the facts are the same). You'd expect that you'll have to pay a lot to fancy stores, but there's always a more budged friendly alternative.

Who would say that Ikea - the popular Swedish-based home furnishing retailer - is one of the safest place to buy furniture, mattresses, toys, kitchen furniture, eco-lights etc. Their mattresses, sofas and padded chairs are free of polybrominated flame retardants from a long time ago, lots of their furniture is made from natural, untreated wood, the children's toys are free of phtahaltes and lead; their kitchen furniture is free of formaldehyde and the list can continue. Why? Because they are very well respecting the Swedish environmental rules which are probably the strictest in the world . (Here's an example where globalization works for us in the US, because IKEA has the same products everywhere, as opposed to other brands that create products for each geography).

IKEA supports the use of environmentally friendly, sustainable and recycled materials as well. They received many awards in the past for being committed to the conservation of the land, water and air resources and its products are recommended by the EWG.

Here is IKEA policy:

"IKEA works to ensure that products and materials are adapted to minimize any negative impact on the environment, and are safe for customers from a health
perspective."

I like Ikea - nice style and nice prices. I was reticent for a while buying to much stuff from them fearing that my house will look exactly like the ones of my friends and like the houses of so many
people. I like to have a more particular style, but given the safety they are guaranteeing and the low prices, I do not care any more about similarity. I think it is a good alternative to those organic/natural expensive shops that are blooming so fast.