Plastic planters are generally the go to for garden and plant enthusiasts. They are the cheapest and most accessible option. However, they come with a long list of problems for both your plants as well as the environment.
Negative Environmental Impact Of Plastic Planters
Cheap plastic planters, because of their short shelf life, generally end up being discarded after only being used for a short period of time, and in turn start to accumulate in large quantities inside landfills and other dumps. The large majority of the planters that are dumped are made from non-recyclable or non-biodegradable plastic. These types of plastics are toxic in most cases and can take many years to break down, leading to an increase in pollution as well as damaging soils.
How Does Plastic Planters Damage Plant Health?
Whether a plastic planter is made from a hard, a thick or a thin plastic – it is still just not breathable enough. Infact, they tend to attract heat from the sun and because of their non-breathable material. The heat is then trapped inside the planter and ends up damaging the root system of your plants. In most cases, plants that are planted inside these types of plastic pots tend to become root bound. This is when the roots of a plant form a dense mass or ball and begin to suffocate the plant.
What Can I Use Instead Of Plastic Planters?
The best alternative to use in place of plastic planters is eco-friendly fabric plant bags. These types of planters are made from a breathable, organic and plastic-free fabric that is not only better for the environment but carries a long list of benefits for the health of your plants as well, such as:
- Temperature Regulation and Air Pruning
- Drainage
- Increased Yield
- Longer Lifespan
Temperature Regulation and Air Pruning
Unlike plastic planters, fabric plant bags are made from a breathable material. This breathable material allows for proper air circulation which in turn allows for temperature regulation as well as air pruning. Air pruning occurs naturally when the roots of a plant reach the edge of the bag, they then detect air which causes them to dry out and stop growing. This phenomenon ultimately prevents the roots from becoming root bound.
Drainage
The breathable material of these types of fabric planters also allows for the drainage of excess water, which protects a plants root system from rot in cases where the plant is overwatered.
Increased Yield
Fabric plant bags lead to stronger, healthier plants from within and boost your yield by 10 to 22 percent more than traditional plastic planters.
Longer Lifespan
Planters that are made from an eco-friendly material or fabric have a much longer shelf life than cheap plastic planters. They are far more durable and are also washable and reusable. They can be washed and reused over and over for up to 7 years. Meaning they will not end up in landfills and pollute the environment. Even after they have served their purpose their biodegradable material will break down a lot faster than toxic plastic planters.
Where Can I Get Affordable Fabric Grow Bags?
EcoWhizz stocks the most affordable eco-friendly plant bags currently on the South African market. Our sizes range from 1 gallon to 15 gallons and are available in sleek black or grey colour variations.
Shop these growbags online today from only R18.95 and have them delivered straight to your door.
