A Q&A with our Sustainability Champion
As a Scottish garden centre, caring for the land, our communities, and future generations is at the heart of what we do. To help us grow greener every day, we’re proud to have Laura, a dedicated Sustainability Champion leading the way.
We caught up with Laura to share a little more about what sustainability means to us, and how you, our customers, are part of the journey too.
Q: What does being a Sustainability Champion at The Plant Market involve?
A: My role is all about finding practical ways to reduce our environmental impact while keeping gardening enjoyable and accessible. That includes looking at how we use energy and water, reducing waste, choosing responsible suppliers, and helping customers make more sustainable choices in their own gardens.
Q: Why is sustainability important to a Scottish garden centre specifically?
A: Scotland’s landscapes, wildlife, and climate are something special, and gardening is closely connected to all of that. The way we garden can either support nature or put pressure on it. By working sustainably, we’re helping protect local biodiversity, improve soil health, and adapt to changing weather patterns, all while growing beautiful plants.
Q: What are some of the steps we’ve already taken?
A: We’ve made a number of changes, including:
- Reducing peat use and offering peat-free alternatives
- Recycling our packaging, pots and trays where possible, e.g returning trays to growers
- Improving energy efficiency across the centre
- Sourcing plants and products responsibly, with an emphasis on quality and longevity
These small changes add up to a big difference over time.
Q: How does this benefit our customers?
A: Sustainable gardening often means healthier plants, better soil, and gardens that thrive naturally with less effort. We aim to offer products and advice that save water, support pollinators, and last longer which is good for the planet and your pocket.
Q: How can customers get involved?
A: There are lots of easy ways! Choosing peat-free compost, planting for pollinators, reusing pots, and asking us for eco-friendly advice all help. Even small changes in the garden can make a real difference.
Q: What’s next for our sustainability journey?
A: Sustainability is ongoing, there’s always more to learn and improve. We’ll continue reviewing how we work, listening to customers, and sharing tips and updates along the way.
