Is it time to rethink recycling for a flourishing garden?

In the 1980s, recycling was introduced as a more environmentally friendly way to approach waste management. Instead of burning, burying or simply dumping trash, it would be reused. The aim was to cut down on waste and limit the impact of trash on the environment.

Needless to say, recycling has been very successful. By recycling everything from aluminum cans to plastic containers, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, energy is saved, and less landfill space is used. Across the globe, countries are reducing their carbon footprint and supporting sustainable practice through recycling.

But couldn’t we go further than just tossing our garbage in the proper bin? It’s time to think about how we can make our green spaces greener. Diverting materials from going to landfills and reusing them is essential. You can reduce your overall impact on the environment through using simple but effective techniques.

New technology allows more efficient recycling and a broader range of recyclable materials. One recent discovery is a recycling process that uses zero water—making the process better for the environment. In a variety of fields like horticulture, landscaping, forestry, and gardening, recycling is evolving.

Bringing Recycling Into Your Garden

Here are just a few ways you can spruce up your garden through using recycled materials:

• Use construction waste and crushed brick as soil amendments
• Use plastic bottle containers for irrigation by burying it in soil with strategically placed holes so that water drains efficiently to plants
• Use glass that’s been crushed and reformed as quirky landscape accents
• Use tires for drain tiles and as plant containers
• Use plastic take out containers for your smaller plants
• Save dryer lint and till it into your garden to improve the soil’s moisture absorption
• Use leftover tea bags and coffee filters to help your azalea bushes bloom brighter and fuller

Composting—a process different from recycling that incorporates natural waste back into the environment—has also grown in popularity. You can use your leftover kitchen scraps, old newspapers, and more to create thick, rich soil in which all your plants will flourish. Many people use compost to support a self-sustaining garden to grow organic food.

If you want to learn more about how to design a flourishing garden and support biodiversity, we can help. Soil Advocates Inc. believes in promoting the latest tools & processes in climate change mitigation, urban green spaces, recreation and conservation. We’re at the cutting edge of everything involving sustainability education and consulting.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with everything from environmental analysis to feasibility studies to help your business be more in the green.