How To Love Plants And The Planet

We love greenery in homes, offices, balconies, or terraces. Adding a few plants can give any place a positive vibe, instantly uplifting the mood and offering spaces a calming feel. Bringing plants into our houses unquestionably makes us feel we contribute to the planet's well-being. However, despite all our best intentions, we are likely using plastic pots, which eventually burden the earth.

Plastic pots and planters remain a common choice when gardening or buying plants. They are cheap, convenient, versatile, and readily available. Their variety and range of shapes and sizes make them an instant choice. This is why every plant or sapling we buy comes into one of these pots. However, behind this apparent convenience lies a significant drawback.

Plastic plant pots have a significant environmental impact. Over 430 million tons of plastic are produced yearly; two-thirds are wasted after one use. This includes various types of plastic products, including pots and planters. These pots are made of cheap, single-use plastics. If trends continue, plastic waste will triple by 2060, with dire consequences for ecosystems and humans.

At the current production rate, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by mid-century. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 350 million pounds of plastic pots are used in the US annually, which generates a vast amount of plastic waste annually.

The American Horticultural Society (AHS) reports that only 5-10% of plastic plant pots are recycled due to contamination and lack of infrastructure. These low-grade plastic planters have a short shelf life. Most dumped planters are made from non-recyclable or non-biodegradable plastic, often toxic. 

These pots are also destructive to plants. Because of their non-breathable material, they tend to attract heat from the sun. The heat is trapped inside the planter, damaging plants' roots. In most cases, plants inside these pots tend to become root-bound. This is when the roots of a plant form a dense mass or ball and begin to suffocate the plant.

So, recycle the plastic containers once you bring your precious seedlings home. Recycling plant pots helps reduce waste and promotes sustainability. Ask nurseries what options they offer to offset the single-use containers. Some nurseries will collect, reuse, and recycle for you. Make the trip to return them. Some nurseries provide seedlings in biodegradable containers; consider those. Most importantly, ask the question as a consumer and look for creative alternatives. Sustainable gardening practices cultivate harmony between humans and nature.

When it is time to transplant the seedlings into large planters, switch to plastic pot alternatives. Reusing plant containers and committing to plastic-free gardening could reduce garden waste.

Learn more about eco-friendly gardening tips. For green gardening solutions, use biodegradable plant containers such as terracotta, bamboo, wood, or concrete. Glass containers can also be repurposed as planters, adding a unique aesthetic to indoor gardens.

Ceramic and metal planters are another great alternative to minimize environmental impact. These pots might be more expensive, but they effectively serve the purpose of caring for the environment. So ditch plastics and enjoy a green home and a greener environment.

While choosing pots and planters, consider how they are produced, transported, and disposed of and what happens after use. Look for locally made products to reduce carbon emissions. Gardening is a beautiful way to care for and cultivate green spaces at home. Sustainable considerations can increase positive effects. Love your plants and the planet by considering small, throwaway plastic containers.