Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Haddenham Garden Centre, we recognise the role that gardening and the garden centre industry plays within our environment. That’s why we are continually working towards becoming as sustainable as possible. Below are some of the steps we’ve taken to reduce our environmental footprint:
Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
We’ve replaced our fluorescent tube lights with energy-efficient LED lighting, reducing our lighting energy use by 70%. This simple change has significantly reduced our carbon footprint.
We have recently installed a huge solar panel array on the roof to power the whole garden centre, just like the sun powers our plants! This massively reduces our reliance on non-renewable energy sources and massively reduces our carbon footprint.
Biomass Heating
We have replaced our oil heaters with a biomass heating system, significantly reducing our carbon footprint. Instead of fossil fuels, we burn wood pellets made from scrap wood that would otherwise be discarded.
How it works – Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to grow. When biomass fuel is burned, carbon dioxide is released back into the air, but as new plants and trees grow, they absorb it again creating a continuous, renewable cycle.
Unlike oil and other fossil fuels, biomass energy is renewable, as new trees and plants can be grown in a short time to replace those used for fuel.
Sustainable Gardening
Plants & Wildlife
We offer a diverse range of wildlife-friendly plants that not only enhance your garden but also support pollinators like bees and butterflies. Our plants also help create safe habitats for birds and insects.
We use soaker trays across our plant area to conserve water and prevent overwatering, ensuring our plants stay healthy while reducing waste.
Our knowledgeable plant team is always available to help you choose the best plants for your garden while minimising waste and reducing the need for soil enhancements.
Organic Gardening
We take pride in offering organic and natural alternatives to artificial garden chemicals.
Choosing organic products is better for the environment and helps maintain a natural balance in your garden.
Look out for information boards around the centre with tips on how to switch to more eco-friendly gardening practices.
Peat-Free Compost
We understand the environmental impact of peat-based compost, which is why we stock a peat-free compost option.
Our team is happy to advise on the best sustainable compost for your gardening needs.
Recycling & Waste Reduction
We are committed to reducing waste wherever possible
Cardboard from deliveries is either baled and recycled or repurposed by our web team for customer packaging.
Plant trays are reused where possible, and our taupe-coloured pots and trays are recyclable.
We provide cardboard boxes for customers to take their shopping home, reducing the need for plastic bags.
We are continuously looking for ways to cut down on single-use plastics
Our restaurant uses paper straws instead of plastic.
Many of our greetings cards are now plastic-free, with no unnecessary sleeves.
We offer jute reusable shopping bags to encourage sustainable shopping.
Sustainable Sourcing & Upcycling
FSC-Certified Timber
Many of our wooden garden furniture pieces are sourced from suppliers certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). FSC certification ensures that harvested trees are replanted or allowed to regenerate naturally, supporting sustainable forestry.
Supporting Local Suppliers
We believe in supporting local businesses and reducing food miles. Our Farm Shop and The Gardeners Retreat restaurant source many ingredients and products from local suppliers.
This supports the local economy while reducing our carbon footprint.
All food served in the restaurant is home-cooked on-site, using fresh, locally sourced produce.
Upcycling & Repurposing
We love giving materials a second life wherever possible:
We reclaimed old fence panels and upcycled them to clad the walls in our restaurant.
Instead of always buying brand-new fixtures, we use second-hand furniture such as tables, dressers, and drawers to display our products.