Ditch The Potentially Toxic Item Hiding In Your Garden Shed (& Safe Alternatives)

A man hanging tools on the door of his garden shed

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It’s no secret that some chemicals can be harmful to humans, pets, and plants alike. Beyond the obvious sources you can find in some garden sheds, like pesticides or even cleaning agents, some plastics, like PVC, contain chemicals such as chlorine and BPA that can leach into the soil, causing long-term damage to your garden and its plants. Unfortunately, sometimes these chemicals can be hiding in plain sight. According to a study conducted by the Ecology Center, plastic and rubber gloves that are commonly used in gardens may be doing more harm than good in your garden.

Plastic garden gloves always have the potential to introduce harmful chemicals into your soil. Even rubber gloves aren’t chemical-free. This is especially true if they are left out in the sun at any point. Of course, not all plastics are created equal in gardening, but food-safe doesn’t mean gardening safe. The Ecology Center study (via Fox 8 Cleveland) tested 53 different types of garden gloves and concluded that over 70% of them had a high concern for toxicity, particularly concerning lead and phthalates. The primary culprit seems to be plastic gloves that contain PVC; however, any microplastics left behind in the garden can impair microbial action and impact soil conditions. Overall, the research suggests that all plastic gloves should be avoided in the garden to be safe.

Alternatives to plastic gloves that are safe to use in your garden

Cloth garden gloves laying in the dird near a small garden trowel and some leafy plants

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While rubber gloves may be safe to use for washing dishes or cleaning toilet bowls, there are other materials that are better to use in the garden. Alternatives include cotton, leather, and hide. These materials are also easier to keep clean, especially if you store your garden gloves in a mason jar. As an added measure of safety, look for gloves that have sustainable certifications that verify the source materials are chemical-free. Some common organizations and certifications include Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Standard100 by Oeko-tex, Fair Trade, Certified B-Corporation (B-CORP), Fair Rubber Association, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and Global Recycled Standard (GRS). If you absolutely want to choose an option that is made of rubber, select natural rubber products that are made from rubber tree sap and are not manufactured using chemicals.

Certifications aren’t the only thing to look for when choosing the best gardening gloves for every job, but it’s a great place to start. Read the product descriptions or labels carefully so you know what material the gloves are made of and how they will hold up for the jobs you are using them for. Amazon has a large selection of chemical-free certified garden gloves available, including styles like the Riley and Sons Eco-Friendly Garden Gloves made with cotton and natural rubber and the DLY Gardening Gloves made of leather. You don’t have to wait for them to be delivered, though. Local hardware stores like Home Depot or garden centers often have garden gloves that are plastic-free and safe for garden use.