Why EPS (expanded polystyrene)

Growing and selling containerized plants, whether vegetables, flowers, herbs or houseplants, is one of the largest industries in the United States.  Over half the U.S gardens in some fashion.  Almost everyone loves a potted plant.  However, most are sold in disposable pots, or pots that don't last long or look good.  These are usually flimsy black plastic or custom made pots for large growers.  We pay for the pot and then dispose of it and sits in the landfill forever.  The larger the pot, the harder to dispose of.  We then buy a prettier pot, often plastic, to grow our plant in, it eventually breaks down in the sun and we buy a new one.

It's important these days to do our research into the products and services we are interested in and not just go by what the mainstream media says or what we read on social media. Most plastic is made of polyethylene or polypropylene and in varying degrees of recyclability.  Most single-use water bottles are made of polypropylene and while touted as recyclable, we all know most end up in the landfill.  Even paper cups, deemed the more environmentally-friendly option, are lined with some sort of plastic lining to hold up to the liquid in the cup.

"Styrofoam", a brand name we have conveniently attached to all lightweight "foam-like" products is owned and manufactured by Dow and is extruded polystyrene or XPS.  It is often used for disposable coffee cups and to-go containers.  It is not durable, reusable or recyclable.  

EPS or expanded polystyrene is made of 95% air.  It is often used in shipping fragile items, for insulation, and even lab equipment.  It is lightweight, insulating, and in the case of packaging or our Verti-Gro pots, very durable. EPS has a lower carbon footprint than plastic and even aluminum because the production requires a lower amount of materials and energy to create.  While rare, there are some areas that do recycle EPS.  It can be broken down and the beads used again. 

The benefit to EPS use for our Verti-Gro pots, a high-density EPS- they are very durable, insulate the roots of your plants and don't break down as fast as hard plastic.  The Verti-Gro pot, if taken care of properly can last for many, many years. We even guarantee it for 10 years (under normal conditions).  Can you say that about a plastic pot? 

The insulation properties of the Verti-Gro pot are one of the most important factors to consider.  The pot keeps the roots cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold weather.  This can lengthen your growing season more than you realize. 

Growing in-ground gardens may avoid the use of any plastics, but do you have good soil?  Do you have the space to have an in-ground garden?  Do you have the time to water it everyday?  Today the answer to these questions is most often no.  Verti-Gro has revolutionized the garden, making it easier for you to have your own fresh-picked produce at home no matter the size of your yard or climate you live in!!