Every single one of us has the ability to make a positive difference to the health of our amazing planet, and by selecting gardening products that have a low environmental impact, we can all do our bit. We can reduce fertiliser pollution and run-off, minimise indiscriminate killing of beneficial garden critters, give the heave-ho to harmful herbicides and so on! But, when faced with a plethora of plantastic products in the local garden centre, it can be difficult to know which products are good, bad, or just plain ugly! Never fear though, Sustainable Gardening Australia is here!
SGA, in conjunction with the University of Melbourne (Burnley), have developed a world first environmental impact rating system for garden chemicals, fertilisers and soil conditioners. The assessment uses information provided on the Material Safety Data Sheets and packaging information of each product, and focuses on the ecological impacts of the products (e.g.: does the product harm non-target insects, is the product mobile through air, soil or water?). The assessment system, at this stage, does not take into account a Life Cycle Analysis ((e.g how much energy was used in making the product?) apart from product packaging. All products assessed are then rated as a low, medium, or high environmental impact product, letting consumers know exactly how their chosen product may impact the immediate and wider environment and the health of our planet, both now and in the future.
SGA advocates non-chemical prevention, but if you must use a chemical, choose one of the low environmental impact alternatives from our list. Mother Nature will thank you for it! All of the products listed here have achieved an SGA Low Environmental Impact rating, and all products are periodically re-assessed to ensure that any changes to formula’s, packaging and ingredients have been accounted for. Oh, and just so you know, SGA does not endorse any product or receive financial benefit from the sales of any product.
Crazy Critters
- Bugs, slugs, aphids and other things that munch, crunch and lunch on your precious plants!
Dastardly Diseases
- Spots, wilts, fungi, moulds and a pile of other pesky plant problem!
Wanton Weeds
- They gotta go…. dealing with those unwanted garden interlopers!
Feeding Time
- Healthy eating habits for the slim, trim, taut and terrific plants in your garden!
Soil Improvers
- Its dirty work but someones got to do it…. the sustainable way!
Wetting Agents
- Water, water every where but not a drop to drink!
Miscellaneous
CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SGA GREENUP RATINGS PROGRAM
