Spring is in the air, which means it’s time to dust off your gardening tools and get planting. Helping you do so in an environmentally (and ethically) friendly way, Florence Derrick has some product suggestions.
A WHOLE DIFFERENT KETTLE
Quirky and fun, these three-litre kettles made from recycled plastic make fantastic watering cans. Each one is unique, with some stamped with their manufacturers’ names, while others are stamped with a star and crescent moon – they’re also used in West Africa for washing feet before entering mosques! For £9.00, it’s a pretty versatile product.
http://www.henandhammock.co.uk/
FAIR TRADE SET IN CEMENTThe Natural Gardener seems to hit ethical targets at every turn. Not only are these laptop bags and planters recycled (they used to be cement bags), they’re biodegradable and were made by disadvantaged women on an uplift programme in Bangladesh, which also happens to be a member of the World Fairtrade Organisation. And if this isn’t enough to persuade you, the colourful planters come in two sizes so that you can pop your herbs or tomatoes wherever you fancy – on the patio, windowsill or balcony. A large potato planter is also available, bought from a similar programme in Cambodia. The products cost between £4.90 and £9.90. www.thenaturalgardener.co.uk
LIGHTING THE WAY
These tea light lanterns prove just how glamorous recycled products can be, and would be a romantic addition to any garden (though they can be used inside as well). Handcrafted by ethical co-operatives in India and made entirely from recycled glass, you can feel confident about supporting both fair trade and recycling. And, as they’re priced at just £3.49 each, you won’t have to pay much for the privilege. These tea light lanterns prove just how glamorous recycled products can be, and would be a romantic addition to any garden (though they can be used inside as well). Handcrafted by ethical co-operatives in India and made entirely from recycled glass, you can feel confident about supporting both fair trade and recycling. And, as they’re priced at just £3.49 each, you won’t have to pay much for the privilege. www.protecttheplanet.co.uk
CREATIVE GROWTH
If you’re concerned about minimising your carbon footprint, you’ll want your sustainable products to be locally sourced. Artist Kim Jenkins saves fruit and vegetable sacks from London markets from going to landfill, and transforms them into quirky plant pot holders instead. At £6.00 each, their colourful patterns will brighten up any windowsill. Who would have thought that waste could look so lovely?
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.