Sustainable gardening is a big trend right now. Many people assume that by simply growing their own plants, they’re doing something good for the environment. While this is partially true, some gardens can be very wasteful and  hard the land around them with pesticides and other chemicals.

Building a sustainable garden, or making the one you already have more sustainable, doesn’t have to be difficult. There are small adjustments you can make that will have a big impact on the environment, and even save you money in the long term.

Here are seven ways you can start to make your garden more sustainable right now:

Use only organic products

A lot of typical fertilizers contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment and aren’t safe for human consumption. Runoff from a garden that doesn’t use organic products can contaminate water supplies and ruin food for local wildlife. Be smart when picking the products that you’ll use in your garden, especially if you’re planting produce.

Recycle household materials in your garden

There are a ton of products sitting around your home that can find a new purpose in your garden. Use an old window as a garden trellis or old concrete slabs as garden stepping stones. The internet is full of inspiration for ways to take trash and turn it into garden treasure.

Use sustainable supplies

Using too many plastic or gas-powered gardening tools isn’t good for the environment. To be more sustainable, make your own tools whenever possible or source supplies from local vendors. Besides your gardening tools, use a manual or electric lawnmower whenever possible. Gas lawn mowers pollute the environment just as much as driving a car.

Plant wisely

Try and plant “native” plants, or ones that occur naturally in your area. These plants require less fertilizer and water because they’re used to the climate in your area. Also, save the seeds from what you do plant to replant next year.

Keep wildlife in mind

Do you have a high population of bees or hummingbirds in your area? Turn your garden into a mini-sanctuary for the wildlife in your area. Incorporate some plants for pollinators, a birdbath, or a bird feeder.

Don’t produce any waste

Like we’ve mentioned before, the key to making your garden more sustainable is reusing items whenever possible. This includes what you grow. Don’t let any of your produce or plants go to waste. If you’re not going to use them, give them as gifts or donate to local charities that might need food for humans or animals in need. You can also use leftover materials to start composting.

Save water

If you’re watering your garden every day, you’re doing a big disservice to the environment. There are ways to make sure your plants get the water they need without being wasteful. Padding your garden with water absorbing materials (such as RainSoil, mulch or recycled paper) can help release water slowly, so your plants stay hydrated and you have to do less watering. This is a win for the environment and a win for your water bill.