As we come into the summer months, many people may want to spruce up their gardens in time for a barbecue or an outdoor party.
Unfortunately, though many of us believe taking care of our gardens is the best way to maintain the ecosystem, certain activities can actually do more damage than good.
The likes of weed killers, garden pest control products and even gardening tools can all emit harmful chemicals and pollutants into the soil. This, in turn, can impact food and air.
Read more: RTE star's top tips for turning your garden into a summer paradise
Gardening expert Peter Dowdall, also known as the Irish Gardener, outlined for RSVP Magazine what his essential eco-friendly gardening equipment included.
“It’s not just that petrol garden machines are environmentally unfriendly, they’re extremely environmentally unfriendly. The Co2 emissions also linger around head level for quite a while after use so it’s not good for the environment, the family or wildlife."
There are other options, however. Dowdall said: “The alternatives are electric tools or battery operated ones.
“Now, nothing is 100% perfect, the electric equipment uses energy and the production of lithium batteries isn’t great either, but they’re still a country mile above petrol machines in terms of emissions of Co2, carbon monoxide and other pollutants.”
There are also plenty of alternatives for other tools, too.
“You can get brilliant battery operated lawnmowers, multi-function garden trimmers, leaf blowers - all of which I would say are essential pieces of garden equipment.
“If you stick to the same brand it also means you’ll have several batteries on the go in case one runs out,” Dowdall said.
There are other perks to using more traditional types of tools, according to The Irish Gardener.
“I always say the garden is the cheapest and most convenient gym you’ll ever find so feel free to get out there without the power tools and use good old fashioned hedge shears for a 100% eco friendly option.
“You’ll get a great aerobic workout and you’ll feel good about yourself because you’re not polluting the airspace in any way.”
Some essentials for any budding gardeners include secateurs and a trowel.
“Other garden essentials that I have to recommend are a good quality pair of secateurs - the ones in discount stores won’t cut it, I’ve tried them. Secateurs are an extension of every gardener's wrist and so they’re really worth investing in,” Dowdall said.
“Next is a hand trowel, again the cheap ones will just bend so buy a quality trowel that will stand the test of time.”
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