Shopping Sustainably

Pots made from recycled materials are becoming increasingly popular in the world of gardening. They are made from post-consumer plastic waste, which would otherwise end up in landfills, and help to reduce the demand for new plastic production.

Some of our suppliers such as Elho even generate their own electricity using renewable energy methods like wind turbines.
All of the products manufactured by Elho are made from 100% recycled plastic however Elho are also pioneers in using marine waste in the manufacture of their new range of pots – The Ocean Collection.

The Ocean Collection is a unique line of indoor flower pots that are made from recycled marine waste and plastic found in the oceans, including fishing nets, ropes, and dragnets. By using this waste material, the company is helping to prevent it from ending up in the ocean and contributing to ocean pollution.

Natural fibres such as coir, jute and burlap are also popular choices for sustainable gardening. These biodegradable materials can be used as pots for seedlings, vegetable growing or as weed barriers in garden beds.

Use natural jute twine or string when tying plants or plotting rows, instead of plastic alternatives which do not degrade and cannot be recycled.

The clear-cutting of forests for wood products, often without proper management and regeneration practices, can have devastating impacts on wildlife habitats, soil erosion, and global carbon emissions.
In addition, the use of illegally harvested wood products, known as “illegal logging,” is a major contributor to deforestation and the loss of biodiversity. This illegal trade also undermines the efforts of local communities who rely on forests for their livelihoods and perpetuates the cycle of poverty and environmental degradation.

By choosing sustainably sourced wooden products, you can help to conserve forests, promote biodiversity and support local communities and all of the wooden products we sell are made by suppliers who sustainably source all of their timber.

One of our favourite suppliers with a commitment to sustainable sourced timber is Zest, who use slow-grown yet sustainable softwood in their innovative garden products.

Based in Wales, they not only use sustainably sourced wood, but are also committed to re-planting and nurturing forests both in the UK and Europe. Their offices and warehouses are all heated by biomass boilers, using woodchip from waste wood, making full use of all aspect of timber production. They are also working with wildlife experts in Wales to help manage local woodland habitats.

Alexander Rose is another one of our suppliers which specialise in making quality outdoor furniture using sustainably sourced hard- and softwood. With each product using carefully selected timber that matches the properties required for each product, this quality furniture will last for years and look good in any garden.

Reducing plastic packaging and plastic waste is an important issue for lessening our impact on the environment, as plastic waste can have devastating effects on wildlife and ecosystems. From plastic bags and packaging materials, to single-use plastic products, the amount of plastic waste produced can quickly add up.

Our greetings card range from Woodmansterne uses ‘Smart Seal’ packaging, eliminating the need for plastic outer wrapping, making it a great choice for the environmentally conscious. All of our cards are made in the UK and can be fully recycled, as well as coming with recycled paper envelopes for a truly eco-friendly option.

Another way to do this is by choosing products that are made from recycled materials, rather than those that rely on virgin materials. And when it comes to toys, there’s a company that’s leading the way in this area: Keel Toys.

At Keel Toys, they are committed to using 100% recycled plastic in the making of their products. This means that they are not only reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and oceans, but they are also helping to conserve the Earth’s natural resources by reducing the need for virgin plastic.

So how do they do it? Keel Toys takes discarded plastic bottles and processes them into fibres, which are then woven into recycled polyester fabric. This fabric is then used to make all of their soft toys, from the smallest teddy bears to the largest stuffed animals. And this commitment to sustainability isn’t limited to just one range of their toys – it’s a constant throughout all of their products.

What’s even better is that the use of recycled materials doesn’t compromise the quality or safety of the toys. Keel Toys products are still soft, durable, and of the highest quality, while also being eco-friendly.

With concerns growing over the environmental impact of peat extraction, more and more gardeners are turning to alternatives that are kinder to the planet.

But what exactly is peat-free compost? Put simply, it’s a type of growing medium that doesn’t contain peat. Instead, it’s made from a variety of natural and sustainable materials, such as wool, coir, bark, wood fibre, and green waste.

One of the main benefits of using peat-free compost is that it helps to protect our precious peatlands. These delicate ecosystems are home to a range of unique plant and animal species, and they play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by storing carbon. By choosing peat-free compost, we can reduce the demand for peat and help to preserve these vital habitats.

But peat-free compost isn’t just good for the environment – it’s also great for your plants. Unlike peat-based compost, which can become compacted and waterlogged over time, peat-free compost has a looser structure that allows for better drainage and aeration. This means that your plants are less likely to suffer from root rot, and they’ll have access to the oxygen they need to grow strong and healthy.

If you’re an avid organic gardener looking for the ideal growing medium for your fruits, vegetables, and salads, Dalefoot Wool Compost might just be what you need. Made from a combination of sheep’s wool sourced from the Cumbrian fells and bracken, this compost is carefully blended to provide the perfect balance of nutrients for organic growing.

The sheep’s wool in wool compost provides natural water retention, which helps to keep your plants hydrated even during hot and dry weather. Additionally, the wool slowly releases nitrogen, which supports healthy growth. Meanwhile, the high level of potash in the bracken promotes flowering and fruiting, making it the perfect choice for gardeners who want to grow tasty and nutritious produce.