Plastic bag use has dropped by 98% since the plastic bag tax was introduced in 2014 yet more than 500 million plastic plant pots still go to landfill each year. With recycling rates low and decomposition taking centuries, is it time we taxed plastic pots too?
The Natural Gardener, the UK’s largest importer of eco-friendly coir pots, is urging gardeners to make a simple switch that can have a big impact. By choosing their sustainably made pots, crafted from natural coconut fibre, consumers can help reduce plastic waste and support a more environmentally friendly way to garden.
A recent study found that more than 92% of local authorities do not accept plastic pots in kerbside recycling and many have no plans to do so.
Unlike traditional plastic pots, The Natural Gardener’s coir pots break down naturally in the soil, enriching it as they decompose. Made from coconut husk, a renewable by-product, these pots offer a sustainable, zero-waste alternative that’s both practical and planet-friendly. By switching to coir, gardeners can reduce their environmental footprint without compromising on quality or performance.
Co-founder of The Natural Gardener, Joe Collison, said: “For too long, plastic plant pots have flown under the radar in the fight against plastic waste.
“We designed our coir pots back in 2008 specifically to combat the growing plastic pollution crisis in gardening.
“Since then, billions of plastic pots have still ended up in landfill, but we’re proud to have offered a real, natural solution from the very start.
“It’s been a long fight, but every pot we sell brings us one step closer to a plastic-free future and we won’t stop pushing until sustainable gardening is the norm, not the exception.”
According to government figures, a decade after the introduction of the plastic bag tax, the average person now purchases just three single-use carrier bags per year—down dramatically from 140 in 2014.
Gardeners across the UK are being encouraged to take the lead in tackling plastic waste—starting with simple changes in their own gardens and supporting wider efforts for environmental reform.
By switching to organic coir pots, individuals can immediately reduce their plastic use and help prevent millions of pots from ending up in landfill. But personal change isn’t enough.
The Natural Gardener is also urging the public to back a petition calling for a tax on plastic plant pots, similar to the successful levy on plastic bags.
It’s time to hold the horticultural industry accountable and push for policy that supports sustainable gardening practices. Together, we can grow a greener future.
We’ve submitted our petition to the government and are currently awaiting a response.
With enough public support, we believe real change is possible.
You can purchase your organic coir pots here.