As the planet faces severe environmental damage, one of the initiatives some individuals take on is reducing their waste. They call this the zero-waste movement, where people avoid packaging – and other non-recyclable materials in their consumption – in the hopes of reducing their carbon footprint.
This lifestyle also prevents plastic and other harmful chemicals from entering ecosystems. However, not everyone can make this drastic change in their lives as almost everything is packaged and in plastic.
That being said, it’s necessary to note that multiple people practicing this lifestyle in their own little ways beats having only one person perfecting the zero-waste lifestyle. Therefore, in more ways than one, people can look at their homes and assess the products they can replace with recyclable materials.
One area at home where you can practice this is the garden. You don’t need new pots every time you decide to nurse a seedling. There are materials at home that can help you start a seed or tree nursery in Layton, Utah.
Toilet paper rolls
Statistics show that, on average, a person uses up 100 rolls of toilet paper annually. The core of a toilet paper roll can be a good makeshift pot for your seedlings because it’s biodegradable. This means that when it’s time to transfer the plant, the roll can serve as part of the compost.
Place the cores in a tray, fill each of them with soil, and plant the seedlings. That’s it. You now have a seed nursery.
Egg trays
Egg trays have individual slots, making them great for making a seed nursery. Because they are shallow, you will have to transfer the seedlings right when they sprout. All you need to do if pour soil in every slot and then plant the seed.
Paper or plastic cups
One of the greatest ecological villains is single-use plastic, such as plastic cups. This doesn’t make an exception for paper cups as well. Contrary to popular belief, paper cups are not biodegradable since their shiny coating is made of plastic.
Instead of throwing away the cup after finishing your coffee or soda, save and recycle it as a plant pot. Pierce holes at the bottom of the cup for soil drainage and then it’s ready to be planted in. This is a durable option as well since plastic lasts up to 400 years.
Old cans
The industry of canned goods is continually growing with a projected $118 billion reach by 2023. The growth can be attributed to packaging companies’ innovations, convenience, and avoidance of plastic waste. Because of this, more and more cans are being introduced into homes.
Cans are another durable option as well. You can take off their labels and pierce holes at the bottom for them to be used as planters. They also make good planters for hanging plants to save space in your garden and also decorate the walls.
Being eco-friendly should not mean breaking the bag for more sustainable items. By simply repurposing products you see at home and products you usually throw away, you can help prevent the lessening of waste circulating in the environment.