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7 Sustainable Garden Swaps

Updated: Apr 23


A top down view of garden tools, gloves and freshly harvested garden greens

Gardening can be one of the most eco-friendly activities when done sustainably, but it also has the potential to be a not-so-eco-friendly hobby. It all depends on what practices you choose to adopt in your garden space. 

Pesticide use, water use and materials all play a role in whether your garden is helping or harming the environment. It doesn’t have to be difficult to make your garden sustainable. We've comprised a list of 7 sustainable swaps to make it easier for you to reduce plastic waste in your garden.


Biodegradable pots

  • Most seed-starting pots are unfortunately plastic. They are typically non-recyclable, and can only be used a handful of times before they crack or break. If you are growing from seed, consider our grower series, made from renewable rice hulls. They can be reused many times and will biodegrade once they are no longer usable. They are truly a zero-waste product. 

A group shot of renewable plant pots made from rice hulls in stacks and with herbs planted in them


Reusable plant ties

  • Instead of single-use plastic plant ties, you can opt for reusable ones. There are several types of durable and resuable plant ties on the market.

reusable plant ties and pink roses


Reusable plant labels

  • Instead of plastic plant labels, opt for bamboo, metal or ceramic labels that can be used over and over. For seed starting there are always the classic popsicle sticks. You could even get creative with upcycling all sorts of materials for labeling, like single-use silverware or old blinds. 

reusable ceramic plant labels

Compost 

  • To avoid buying compost in single use plastic bags, you can try making your own. This will double your sustainability efforts by reducing your kitchen waste as well. There are plenty of online resources on how to compost at home.

A pile of garden fertilizer in plastic bags


Metal watering cans

  • Invest in a metal watering can instead of a plastic one. It will last longer and can be recycled.

A metal watering can in a rustic setting

Metal tools

  • Instead of plastic garden tools, go for metal tools with wood handles. The quality is better, they last longer and won’t leave plastic behind when disposed of. 

Wood gardening tools on a wood table

Plastic-free weed barriers

  • Instead of plastic sheeting to prevent weeds, you can use cardboard covered in mulch or upcycle some burlap sacks from coffee roasters. These are biodegradable options that will also feed the soil as they break down. 

Cardboard and mulch in a sustainable organic garden


Every bit of plastic waste that you keep out of your garden makes a difference. Every gardener that makes a shift in plastic use is keeping a lot of waste out of the landfills. If demand for more sustainable materials increases, the manufacturing of single-use plastics will decrease. 


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