A genius hack for re-using Covid tests

A keen gardener has come up with a genius idea to re-use lateral flow tests as hanging labels for shrubs, trees, or climbing plants. 

Amy Davis shared a video of her gardening hack on her Facebook page Flourish Garden Care – and it’s had nearly one million views. “I thought others may think it could be useful but I had no idea it would go viral,” she tells Smiley News.

“January is a time when I start thinking about seed sowing,” she says, explaining how she came up with the idea.

“For most plants, it’s far too early to begin but it gets me excited for the spring and I enjoy planning what I’m going to grow. As I was sowing, I realised I hadn’t got any labels to hand. The week before I had done lots of flow tests, all negative, which I hadn’t thrown away yet. I thought of using it as a label, so I washed it and discovered they could be split apart and then put back together in a different configuration. Et voila!”

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Many people are likely to realise the amount of plastic waste that is building up after taking – and then disposing of – lateral flow tests. “We are living in a time where we are increasingly aware of what vast quantities of plastic is doing to our planet,” says Amy.

“So when we find something that may help, however small, it feels good. We can all play our part to reduce plastic use in many areas of our lives. Unfortunately LFTs are necessary and at the moment there’s no biodegradable alternative. All we can do is reuse it.”

Amy adds that there’s been a massive surge of people taking up gardening since the first lockdown – so these labels will be useful to those with houseplants, balcony planters, small and large gardens, allotments and more. 

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“Gardening for me is about creating beautiful, inspiring spaces tailored to the individual needs of that household,” she says. “It is also about appreciating the balance of nature, protecting and encouraging wildlife and biodiversity whilst improving our environment. A balance can be found between the two and one can gain from the other.”

AMY’S TIPS FOR STAYING GREEN WHILE GARDENING:

• “I never use chemicals as there are so many alternatives to combating pests, diseases and weeds. I use peat-free compost.”
• “I consider wildlife and garden in harmony with the seasons. For instance, be aware when birds are nesting, or when creatures need messy areas to hibernate.”
• “Make sure the materials you are using in your garden are sustainably sourced. Use local material where you can.”
• “Garden according to the conditions you have – if you live a very dry area choose plants that will thrive without having to use excessive water.”
• “Reuse everything and anything you can! Visit websites that offer things second hand, you can find lots are free. Be creative and enjoy yourself in the garden. I have recently repurposed my daughter’s old cot as a cage for protecting plants at my allotment. It wasn’t fit to pass on but could be put to another use. Experiment and try things, however bonkers!”

Follow Flourish Garden Care on Facebook to find more tips and advice. 

INSPIRED TO ACT?

GET INVOLVED: If you’re inspired to use less plastic, get involved with the nonprofit Less Plastic. 

DONATE: Less Plastic uses donations to reduce plastic use across the country. Donate here.

READ: Find out about a zero-waste company making refills the norm.