Creating a garden that reduces your carbon footprint does not necessarily mean that you have to compromise on design. Here are some tips to help you become an ethical gardener

Use ethical materials

If you want to be a green gardener try and use products and materials that have been ethically sourced. For example, Indian sandstone is a popular choice for paving, but much of it is imported from unethical sources.

Some quarries in India have been found to operate very poor standards of health and safety. Check that any imported natural stone is from specially audited mines to ensure it is supplied to the highest ethical standard.

Offset your paved areas

Offset the amount of carbon that's produced by creating a new patio or drive by planting a tree - they absorb CO2.

Recycling rocks

If you recycle glass, plastics and paper in the home apply these same recycling rules to the materials in your garden. There are lots of outdoors materials that can be re-used:

• Scaffolding boards - these are a cheaper alternative to railway sleepers. Or recycle redundant scaffolding boards by using them instead of traditional panel fencing to create boundary walls.
• Coloured recycled glass makes a great top dressing, mulch, or plant pot dressing. Buy recycled glass aggregate from a reputable source to ensure the glass has been professionally tumbled to round off any sharp edges. Crushed CDs also add a dash of drama to borders or planters.
• Recycled aircraft and agriculture tyres (100 per cent wire free) which are made into rubber chippings provide an excellent safety surface for play areas. If you're looking to devote a section of your garden for your kids to let off steam, or if you are considering installing some play equipment put down a safe play surface to cushion the inevitable falls.

Fight the floods via your front garden!

With global warming, flooding is more common and excess water puts household drainage systems under stress. The Environment Agency has estimated that up to two thirds of the floods in 2007 were caused by the surge in surface water overwhelming the country's drainage systems.

If you want to be environmentally responsible, there are products on the market that can help reduce the amount of surface water during periods of heavy rainfall. Install permeable paving which to allow any surface water to pass naturally through it. For example, Priora or Tegula Priora available from Marshalls.

Grassguard is another green alternative to paving and features an open grid pattern that allows grass to grow through the blocks. The grid pattern enables water to drain through the grass into the ground rather than directly into drains.

Good wood

If you're planning a deck, a pagoda or simply fitting new fencing, be sustainable and stick to a source of wood which carries the Forestry Stewardship label. The Royal Horticultural Society provides a leaflet listing the recognised suppliers of timber from sustainable sources. Or try one of the wood alternatives which are manufactured exclusively from recycled wood or plastic. Visit www.recyclewood.org.uk for further information on where to buy recycled wood products.

Join the growing revolution

Create a mini vegetable/herb zone at home to cut down on food miles and save money on the weekly grocery bill. The vegetables that end up on your plate will taste better than any that are found in your local supermarket.

Information provided by Marshalls Gardens and Driveways who offer garden transformation services. Call 0845 30 20 110 for more information, or visit www.marshalls.co.uk for more information.