Great carbon-friendly activities to do in the garden!

If lockdown has taught us anything, it’s to appreciate the importance of our gardens and everything in them. Over the past year, more and more people have taken up gardening, or even started to grow their own vegetables. It’s been really beautiful to see and the planet is loving it even more. You may not know this, but actively putting in the work in your garden can help with climate change. However, we don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but not everything you do in your garden is carbon-friendly. Don't be disheartened though, as you don't need to do much to make those extra small changes that will help you reduce your carbon footprint massively.

Planting instead of buying.

While it can be easier to just buy a plant from the shops, the way they’re grown, (through artificial lighting and heat) and transported alone, can impact your carbon footprint. However, when growing or planting them in your back garden, you can reduce those enormous transport costs. Plus sowing them at the right time of year reduces the need for artificial heat and light. Brilliant!

Ditch the power.

Power tools such as hedge trimmers and leaf blowers are not considered carbon-friendly. While these can be much easier and quicker to use than hand tools, they’ll increase your carbon footprint sadly. Consider swapping them for hand tools – some consider this to be therapeutic and relaxing. You could also decide to swap your petrol lawnmower to electric. (Trust us when we say it makes a huge difference!)

Grow your own food.

Many have already started this trend over the past few years, with it becoming an enjoyable hobby over the numerous lockdowns. However, this is more than just a hobby and can contribute massively to reducing your carbon footprint. How, you ask? Well, it's pretty simple. Think about how much land, water and other resources are used to produce the food product. Not to mention the transport needed to transport the food product to your local supermarket. You could eliminate all this carbon by simply growing your food in your back garden. Don't forget, it’s much tastier homegrown!

Here's a tip that stinks: compost making.

This is the most important supplement for your garden, which is why it's often referred to as ‘black gold’. But what’s so good about making it on your own? Well, first thing's first, it’s free – and that's always a win. It also allows you to fuel your garden with plant growth and is a simple way of adding nutrient-rich humus. It enriches the soil, which helps retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests. And best of all, it reduces all green waste going to landfill, where it releases methane.

Grow the wild side.

Allowing your garden to show its wild side is one of the most carbon-friendly activities you can do. It allows insects like butterflies and bees to thrive and will allow wildflowers to grow naturally. It can reveal the natural beauty of your back garden.