These days, 'green fingers' means a lot more than being active in the garden. Sustainability is the buzz word for 2007 and nowhere does the quest for sustainability seem more appropriate than in the great outdoors

We all want to do our bit to save the planet for future generations, but it is in the garden that it is relatively easy to adopt sustainable living strategies that will have an immediate impact in helping to protect the environment.

Here are some easy ways to make a difference:

Recycling rules

The recycling bug hit the Chelsea Flower Show in a big way this year, and now recycled materials come in a host of different guises. They include:

• Earth - Earth which has been dug out from, for example, creating a pond, can be recycled to form an 'eco mound' to house a garden building. An eco mound is typically low in nutrients (if taken from a hole deeper than a foot) and is therefore perfect for growing wild flowers (where grass will not take over).
• Scaffolding boards - Redundant scaffolding boards make a great alternative to traditional panel fencing to create striking boundary walls.
• Rubber chippings - If you're looking to devote a section of your garden to your kids you might be considering installing some play equipment and you'll need to put down a safe surface to cushion the inevitable falls. Recycled aircraft and agriculture tyres (100 per cent wire free) in a rubber chipping format, are available in a range of colours and they?re completely non toxic.

Be water wise

Everyone knows that water represents one of our most precious natural resources. The Environment Agency recommends a number of simple measures to adopt in the garden to help save water, including:

• remembering to water in the cool of the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation losses
• being vigilant with your weeding and hoeing so that any water applied to the garden helps plants, and not weeds, grow
• considering the introduction of decking, gravel, paving and cobbles features as an alternative to water guzzling lawns
• using mulches such as wood chips, bark and gravel to help prevent water evaporation and fend off feisty weeds, saving both water and time!

Another important 'water wise' initiative is to recycle rainwater collected in a water butt. Child-safe butts are available which come complete with a tap, child-safe lid, stand and diverter, which automatically channels the rain water from your down pipe into the water butt and prevents overflow when it is full.

Good wood

Whether you're building a deck or fitting new fencing, the first rule for sustainable living converts is to stick to a source of wood which carries the Forestry Stewardship label. This identifies products that contain a minimum of 70 per cent wood from well-managed forests certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council. On the other hand, you could look for one of the wood alternatives, which are manufactured exclusively from recycled wood and plastic.

Contributed by Scenic Blue - a Marshalls specialist business. For more information visit www.scenicblue.co.uk