Paper potter-make biodegradable seedling pots from newspaper

If you grow plants, you'll be familiar with the seed trays and grow pots you need to start them off, almost all of which are made from plastic in one form or another.

Plastic is one of the most popular and useful materials of modern times. However, its popularity has become a problem: we now use about 20 times more plastic than we did 50 years ago - and although we recycle more now than ever, some plastic still can't be recycled, and can take hundreds of years to breakdown. Not to mention the energy and resources (fossil fuels) involved in producing plastic.

To save yourself some money and cut down plastic waste, try this:

The Paper Potter is an ingenious wooden device that enables you to turn strips of newspaper into biodegradable plant pots for growing seedlings. Newspaper pots are great for plants, because when your seedlings are ready, you can just plant them out in their paper pot, meaning minimal disturbance to roots.

Paper Potter couldn't be easier to use: cut newspaper into strips, roll them around the potter, fold the excess paper over and press into base, using the mould. Then just add your favourite potting compost and seeds, and water.

Nigel says: Useful for gardeners, children also love making paper pots and this innovative and simple gadget can be used to teach an invaluable lesson about sustainable living. Comes with full instructions.

Price around: £9.95 inc VAT

Click here to find out more about the Paper Potter on Nigel's Eco Store:

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Please note: the Energy Saving Trust does not endorse this product