Help the planet by being creative in the garden

This year, the Re-use Revolution is coming to gardening. Instead of buying new plant pots and garden furniture, more and more people are helping the planet by being creative and re-using what they already have.

A little imagination can breathe new life into old pots, pans, tins, plates and bowls as plant pots. Instead of buying new, charity shops often have second-hand garden furniture for sale, and timber for decking, borders or other features can be sourced from reclamation yards.

Many gardening tools can be hired or borrowed instead of bought. Lollipop sticks make good plant markers, toilet roll tubes can be used for propagating plants, plastic packaging from fruit and vegetables can make useful seed trays.

Gardening is the latest target in the Re-use Revolution campaign being run by the Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham (BDR) Waste Partnership and Renewi, the firm behind the

household waste treatment facility at Manvers.

The aim is to encourage people across South Yorkshire to help the environment by recycling and reducing waste as much as possible.

Community Education Liaison Officer, Abi Cox, who is based at Manvers, is calling on garden lovers to join the Re-use Revolution and do their bit for the planet.

“Covid has shown just how important gardens are for people lucky enough to have them, and there are lots of ways to make them a little ‘greener’, she said. “Watch out for helpful

tips and ideas on the wasteless-sy.co.uk website all this month and on social media.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden editor.