Tips For Reducing Plastic Use in the Garden

Reducing plastic use is essential to our continued survival on this planet. Plastic is a major problem, which simply refuses to go away. Plastic is derived from fossil fuels and takes massive amounts of energy to create. What is more, it contributes to many different forms of environmental pollution. Finally, when we throw it away, plastic creates a huge waste problem and takes a very, very long time to decompose. Recycling is part of the solution – but most plastic we use is not, or cannot be, recycled. Reducing plastic use in our homes and gardens is the only answer. Here are a few tips for reducing plastic use in the garden:

Grow Plants From Seed or Propagate Wherever Possible

Growing your own plants from seed or propagating your own plants will help to reduce the number of new plants you will buy. Since most plants come in plastic, this can help us to reduce the amount of plastic we bring into our lives and our gardens.

Save Your Own Seeds & Buy Seeds in Paper, Not Plastic

When you buy seeds, try to buy them in paper rather than in plastic. Best of all, however, get used to saving your own seeds, which can reduce your impact and make your garden more sustainable.

Reuse Plastic Items Rather Than Buying New

You can help to reduce plastic waste by reusing old plastic items. Reuse any old pots or seed trays you already have, and consider using food packaging for these purposes in your garden.

Choose Biodegradable Pots (Or Make Your Own)

Biodegradable seed pots are often an excellent alternative to plastic ones. You can buy biodegradable pots if you like, but it is also possible to make your own using toilet roll tubes, newspaper or other scrap card or paper.

Buy Wooden Handled Tools

When new tools are required, look for options with wooden or metal handles, rather than plastic ones. These can be extremely good quality, do the job just as well, yet are also kinder on the environment.

Use Organic Materials In Place of Synthetic Horticultural Fleece

Another change that you can make to reduce plastic use in the garden is to choose to use organic materials to protect plants from cold weather in place of synthetic fabrics such as horticultural fleece. Straw, bracken or sheep's wool may all be viable options. Recycled natural fabrics may also be used to cover tender plants.

Choose A Natural Twine/ Mesh in Place of Plastic Twine or Mesh

Another small change you can make is to choose natural twine and mesh to provide a framework or protection for plants. This will avoid the need for plastics in a range of applications.