As awareness of environmental issues grows, many Australian gardeners are seeking ways to create beautiful outdoor spaces while minimising their ecological footprint. Garden edging might seem like a small detail, but when you consider the materials used, manufacturing processes, and eventual disposal, your choice can make a real environmental difference. This guide explores sustainable edging options that let you define your garden borders without compromising your environmental values.
Why Sustainability Matters in Garden Edging
Every garden product has an environmental cost. Raw materials must be extracted or harvested, manufacturing processes consume energy and may produce pollution, transportation burns fossil fuels, and eventually the product reaches end-of-life and must be disposed of somehow. For products that last only a few years, these impacts multiply with each replacement cycle.
When choosing garden edging, environmentally conscious gardeners should consider the raw materials and their sourcing, energy required for manufacturing, product lifespan (longer is generally better), recyclability or biodegradability at end of life, and any ongoing environmental impacts during use.
The good news is that several genuinely eco-friendly edging options exist, ranging from products made from recycled materials to natural alternatives that return harmlessly to the earth.
Recycled Plastic Edging
Recycled plastic edging transforms waste plastic—often from bottles, containers, and other post-consumer sources—into durable garden products. This diverts plastic from landfill and oceans while creating a useful product.
- Diverts plastic waste from landfill and oceans
- Reduces demand for virgin plastic production
- Typically uses less energy to produce than virgin plastic
- Many products are recyclable again at end of life
Quality recycled plastic edging performs comparably to virgin plastic products, though it may have slight colour variations due to the mixed source materials. Many gardeners appreciate this subtle variation as it gives products character and serves as a visible reminder of their recycled nature.
When choosing recycled plastic edging, look for products that specify their recycled content percentage—100% post-consumer recycled content is ideal. Also check that the product is UV-stabilised for Australian conditions, as this significantly extends lifespan and prevents the edging becoming brittle and breaking down into microplastics prematurely.
Recycled Rubber Edging
Recycled rubber edging, typically made from old tyres, represents an excellent example of circular economy thinking. Australia generates millions of waste tyres annually, and recycled rubber edging provides a valuable end-use that keeps this material out of landfill.
Rubber edging has several practical advantages beyond its environmental credentials. It's flexible enough to create curves easily, safe around children and pets due to its soft edges, durable enough to withstand foot traffic and mower bumps, and naturally resistant to moisture, rot, and UV degradation.
The main aesthetic consideration is that rubber edging typically comes in black or brown, which suits some garden styles better than others. However, the dark colour can actually be an advantage, as it recedes visually and allows plants to take centre stage.
Steel: The Long-Life Solution
Steel might not seem like an obvious eco-friendly choice, but its exceptional durability makes it environmentally favourable when you consider the full lifecycle. A quality steel edging installation can last 25 years or more—outlasting five or more replacement cycles of cheaper plastic products.
One steel installation lasting 25 years has lower total environmental impact than replacing budget plastic edging five times over the same period. Sometimes the greenest choice is simply the one that lasts longest.
Steel is also highly recyclable. At end of life, steel edging can be completely recycled into new steel products with minimal quality loss. Australia has well-established steel recycling infrastructure, making this process straightforward.
Additionally, Australian steel production has become increasingly sustainable, with local manufacturers investing in cleaner technologies and some incorporating recycled steel into their products.
Natural Stone and Reclaimed Materials
Natural stone edging, particularly locally sourced stone, has minimal processing requirements and essentially infinite lifespan. While quarrying has environmental impacts, a single stone installation never needs replacement and can be repurposed indefinitely.
Reclaimed materials offer even better environmental credentials. Salvaged stone, recycled concrete pieces, reclaimed bricks, and salvaged timber can all create attractive edging while keeping materials out of the waste stream. Architectural salvage yards and online marketplaces often have interesting materials available.
When using reclaimed materials, verify that any timber is free from harmful treatments (older treated timber may contain arsenic) and that stone or concrete isn't contaminated from previous industrial use.
Sustainable Timber Options
Timber can be an environmentally responsible choice when sourced properly. Look for products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), which ensure timber comes from sustainably managed forests.
Australian hardwoods from managed plantations or certified native forestry operations provide local options that support Australian industry while meeting sustainability standards. Avoid uncertified tropical hardwoods, which may contribute to deforestation.
- Choose FSC or PEFC certified products
- Prefer Australian-grown plantation timber
- Avoid uncertified tropical hardwoods
- Consider reclaimed timber from demolition or renovation
- Use naturally durable species to avoid chemical treatments
Naturally durable timber species like spotted gum, ironbark, and red gum can be used without chemical treatment in many applications, avoiding the environmental concerns associated with timber preservatives. However, treated timber is sometimes necessary for ground contact—modern treatments are far safer than the arsenic-based products of the past.
Living Edges: The Natural Alternative
Living plant edges represent perhaps the most sustainable option of all—they're made entirely from renewable, biodegradable materials (plants!) and actually provide environmental benefits during their life.
Low-growing plants that work well as living edges include lomandra varieties, liriope, native violet, and low-growing native grasses. These living edges provide habitat for beneficial insects, contribute to biodiversity, help with water infiltration, sequester carbon as they grow, and need no manufacturing, transportation, or eventual disposal.
Living edges do require ongoing maintenance—trimming, watering during establishment, and occasional replanting of gaps. They're best suited to gardeners who enjoy hands-on garden care and have time for regular attention.
What to Avoid
Some edging products are best avoided from an environmental perspective:
Cheap virgin plastic edging: Low-quality plastic products made from virgin materials combine the worst of both worlds—they use new petroleum-based resources and often fail quickly, requiring replacement and creating waste.
PVC products: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) production involves toxic chemicals, and the material is difficult to recycle effectively. While PVC edging exists, more sustainable alternatives are readily available.
Products with unknown origins: Very cheap imported products may come from manufacturers with poor environmental practices and no accountability. The carbon footprint of shipping from overseas also adds to environmental impact.
Making the Right Choice for Your Garden
The most sustainable choice depends on your specific situation. Consider your local climate and which materials will last longest in those conditions, the availability of recycled or reclaimed materials in your area, your maintenance willingness (living edges require more care), the style of your garden and home, and your budget balanced against expected lifespan.
Sometimes the greenest choice isn't the most obviously "eco" option. A locally manufactured steel product that lasts 25 years may be more sustainable than imported recycled plastic that needs replacing every 10 years. Think about the full lifecycle, not just the initial materials.
Disposing of Old Edging Responsibly
If you're replacing existing edging, dispose of old materials responsibly:
- Steel: Take to a metal recycler or include in council hard rubbish collection
- Plastic: Check local recycling options; some councils accept certain plastics
- Timber: Untreated timber can be composted or mulched; treated timber should go to appropriate waste facilities
- Stone: Offer for reuse through online marketplaces or take to a building materials recycler
- Concrete: Many concrete products can be crushed and recycled as aggregate
By choosing sustainable edging and disposing of old materials responsibly, you can create beautiful garden borders while treading lightly on the planet. Every choice matters, and your garden can be part of the solution to environmental challenges.