Gardening is a simple pleasure that can produce very tangible results and provide a myriad of benefits. Planting more trees to reduce C02 emissions and creating habitats for wildlife as well as tending to flower gardens to attract pollinators and support biodiversity are well known ways to be an eco-warrior. But did you know the gardening industry itself is a large contributor to plastic waste?
With increased public awareness around plastic waste (thanks to initiatives such as Plastic Free July and Clean up Australia) more and more businesses are filling what was originally a gap in the market and coming to the party offering plastic free and eco-friendly alternatives. People are keen for a way to do things differently and are also reflecting back on simpler times, emulating what their parents or grandparents used to use in their gardens before the onset of plastics and chemicals. Read on for some simple ways to minimise the harm caused by our horticultural activities.
As with any ‘eco upgrades’, be sure to do them within your budget and start small over feeling the need to replace everything at once. The first step to any change is awareness. Replace items piece by piece, as they become worn and would be replaced or upgraded anyway. When looking to upgrade your garden products look for nature fibre or plant based, organic or grey water safe products to minimise waste and pollution of waterways and your soils.
Here are some simple and eco-friendly garden swaps:
Garden accessories and tools
Use bamboo stakes and string to keep plants upright or wooden plant pegs instead of plastic poles and plastic-coated ties.
As your plastic garden furniture begins to break down, replace it with metal or timber alternatives.
Avoid buying plastic seedling trays and instead sow your own seed from scratch by purchasing heirloom seeds in paper pouches and grow them in DIY or purchased wooden seedling trays.
Ditch the plastic plant labels and choose wooden or metal.
Next time you need pots opt for ceramic or terracotta instead of plastic or choose biodegradable alternatives. Reuse old, chipped ceramic plates and bowls to collect water at the base of your pots rather than plastic plant saucers. Unfortunately, traditional nursery plastic pots can’t be recycled in your recycling bin. If you already have a collection of these, re-use them as much as possible, or check with your local council for plastic pot recycling schemes. Some plant shops and gardening centres also have recycling programs in place for nursery pots. Or be creative and repurpose. Teacups, wheelbarrows, wine barrels, even gumboots make an ideal vessel to plant quirky floral displays.
Over time and as they need to be replaced, buy high quality timber handled stainless or galvanised steel garden tools such as rakes, spades, etc. instead of plastic handled tools.
Invest in heirloom quality canvas or natural fibre garden gear instead of plastic covered gloves, kneelers or workwear. Not only will these last for many many years, they will also develop a patina over time giving them a rustic and appealing aesthetic.
Phase out plastic plant waste bags and replace with hessian sacks or for long term use invest in specialised canvas waste bags.
Instead of buying weed matt, cover weed with thick layers of wet old newspaper, wet cardboard or hessian, or invest in coconut fibre or coir matting for a long-lasting (up to 3 years) but ultimately biodegradable option.
Pest and weed management
Where possible opt for organic and plant-based products to deal with pests and weeds. Synthetic pesticides can directly and indirectly harm pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Consider eliminating the use of Glyphosate based products such as Roundup or similar products. Many countries and even some councils across Australia
have phased out the use of this particular pesticide due to health and environmental issues. Instead address weeds with more environmentally friendly alternatives such by pulling them out at the root or spraying them with a home made solution or pouring boiling water over them.
There are also now plenty of naturally derived products and pest management options for your edibles or ornamentals to keep away the critters.
If you do decide to use chemicals, read labels carefully and favour products with low environmental impact (often labelled as 'organic') and always follow application instructions.
Landscaping supplies
When buying mulch, source direct from a company that removes trees and produces mulch as a by-product. You will access bulk mulch at a discount price and avoid having to buy multiple smaller bags which not only are packaged in plastic but are also often treated with chemicals to avoid mould.
For other landscaping supplies such as sand, rocks or soil source direct from local companies who can deliver to you and avoid the middleman (and the plastic packaging). If you only need
a small amount, reach out to neighbours and see if they would like some, building community and reducing waste at the same time.
When sourcing timber for a garden project look for hardwoods second hand that can be repurposed. If buying new timber products look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) mark to ensure the wood has come from a sustainable and managed source.
Having the time and space to grow a garden is a privilege and a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature. Finding ways to make it as eco-friendly and non-toxic as possible will not only help to protect you and your family and pets, it will also protect wildlife, pollinators, waterways and soil. Having a garden can also help you to connect with your local community. Share cuttings, seedlings and excess bounty with friends and neighbours and enjoy building connections and sharing your knowledge.
This article is part of a series on plastic free and eco-friendly living. We’ve already shared some more sustainable and plastic free alternatives for personal items, kitchens and dining and reducing plastic and other environmental toxins in our laundry and general household cleaning supplies
Australian Mutual Bank is committed to minimising the amount of waste generated by its operations, as well as reusing and recycling as much waste as possible. You can read more about how Australian Mutual Bank is committed to environmental sustainability here.
Alison Gallagher is a freelance writer, resourcefulness expert and entrepreneur. She has been featured in various publications including Stellar Magazine, Australian Health and Fitness Magazine, and Cleo Magazine. Alison is particularly passionate about sharing practical tips on how to live simply, sustainably and seasonally.
