The Moral Maze that is IKEA have many millions of people increasingly using their products to increase the lifestyle of their homes and flats throughout the world. I sometimes thought of them in negative terms with their centralisation, huge depots, flat packs, big production suppliers and lorries trundling goods across continents and countries.

However their current move towards supporting renewable energy in all its forms rather excites me and on a recent trip I talked to their local staff in Bristol about the solar installation deals and they are really good quality and economic for every family to make energy savings. In Bristol their stand is well designed good for kids but probably in the wrong place. Not far from the checkout desks at a time when people just want to go home. In Southampton they are better sited within the demonstration areas and a must visit for many families.

I was also able to use the Ecotricity charging points which worked very well, in the well marked and laid out special charging bays.

My other treat was a Swedish Hot Dog with loads of mustard! Go on visit sometime and try one for yourself its today’s living for families of all ages – see Ikea’s Solar Energy page: www.ikea.com/gb/en/campaigns/solar-panels.html