Playing our part to become more sustainable is more important than ever. Whether that’s growing our own food and cutting down on our household waste or renovating our gardens – we all need to do our bit.
Eco-paving manufacturer, Bradstone, highlights five ways in which you can become eco-friendlier and more self-sufficient in your own gardens.
- Grow your own food
Why not devote a patch of your garden to growing your own food? Not only is it cheaper but it also reduces your environmental impact – reducing the need for plastic packaging. It’s also a great way of getting the children involved in gardening and for children who dig their heels in when it comes to eating their greens, they may be more inclined to eat veggies at dinner time if they grew it themselves. You can grow plenty of different vegetables like carrots, potatoes and peppers, or fruits such as apples and berries right in your own English garden.
- Installing a water butt
British people are all too accustomed with rain, and no one particularly enjoys it, but you can turn the negative into a positive by installing a water butt to collect rainfall. Manually watering a garden using a hose can actually lead to a considerable amount of water wastage due to it being difficult to measure the amount being used. Not only will a water butt cut down water usage, but it is hugely beneficial for plants too.
- Installing wildlife homes
Give nature an extra helping hand by providing some man-made shelter. From bird boxes to bug hotels and hedgehog homes to bee biomes, there are plenty ways you can make your garden that little bit more comfortable for wildlife. The mini beasts will absolutely love these homes and children can learn a lot from observing them.
- Using household waste as compost
Home composting is favourable because it helps to divert garden waste and some uncooked fruit and vegetable off-cuts from disposal. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and provides keen gardeners with a self-made supply of compost. This means you have to worry less about your food waste – you can simply turn it into compost and generate an ongoing green cycle.
- Switching out your paving
Bradstone’s ECO range offers a collection of low carbon products for patios and driveways that offer a 20% reduction in carbon footprint. This isn’t just a number; it translates into tangible environmental benefits. Take, for example, a standard 30-square-meter patio paved with the ECO products—it yields a carbon saving equivalent to the positive impact generated by three mature trees over the course of a year. Amongst the eco-paving product range is the Old Town Silver Grey ECO EVOLE, which offers a substantial 35% reduction. The best part is, it offers the same style and quality as its traditional concrete range, but with lower carbon emissions. So, you can expect the same beautiful paving in a variety of different finishes and colours which meets the design needs of all purchasers.
Eco-friendly gardens have become a huge trend over the past few years, adorned with bee spas and bug hotels, and continue to be a focal point in 2024. Bradstone applauds the commitment to sustainability, with gardeners taking on the role of stewards for local biodiversity. The integration of these elements not only nurtures the environment but also encourages a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things. With spring just around the corner, there is no better time to start planning your new eco garden,
