Recycle & Reuse

As part of our sustainability efforts at Future Forests, we do our best to use natural, reusable, recyclable, & compostable materials wherever possible - from locally sourced straw to cardboard and bamboo.

Many of these materials can be used again at home or in the garden. With a little creativity, nothing needs to go to waste.

WEST CORK STRAW

Our plants are packed with locally sourced straw to protect & insulate them during transit - and it’s incredibly useful in the garden.
You can reuse straw to:
- Mulch around plants and trees to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Use as a winter cover for your strawberries or cold-sensitive plants

- Line compost bins to balance green waste
- Use as bedding for your chickens or animals

CARDBOARD

Your plants are packed using cardboard to protect them in transit - and it’s one of the most useful materials you can reuse in the garden.
You can reuse cardboard to:
- Suppress weeds by laying it directly onto soil before mulching. We even have a video to show you how.
- Create new beds using no-dig methods (aka lasagne beds)
- Line paths to keep weeds down
- Add to compost bins as a brown material
- Protect young plants from wind when cut into simple guards

BAMBOO CANES

We include bamboo canes to support plants during transport - and they can be reused again and again in your garden.

You can reuse bamboo canes to:

- Support young trees, hedging, or climbing plants
- Create simple tomatoe supports
- Mark rows or newly planted areas
- Build small structures like pea supports or bean frames
- Practice your fencing skills

PLASTIC BAGS

Our plants are packed in durable plastic bags to keep roots protected and moist during their journey - these are designed to be reused.

You can reuse these bags to:

- Temporarily store bareroot trees while you're waiting to plant
- Collect garden waste, clippings, or rubbish
- Keep items dry in sheds, cars, or wheelbarrows
- Line containers or boxes for storage
- Reuse as general-purpose bags around the home or garden

PLASTIC POTS

Some of our plants are supplied in plastic pots to protect their roots and support healthy growth — these can be reused many times in the garden.
You can reuse plastic pots to:
- Pot up seedlings, cuttings, or young plants
- Divide and share plants with friends or neighbours
- Grow herbs, salads, or flowers on windowsills and patios
- Organise tools, labels, or garden bits in sheds
- Keep a few spare pots on hand for unexpected planting jobs

If you no longer need them, consider passing them on to other gardeners, community garden, or school planting project.