Trend 3

The third trend — “Golden Hearts” — refers to “the new environmentalist…looking for fulfillment outside of themselves and turning to caring for the earth.” A study by Unilever found that about one-third of people worldwide “choose brands for their social and environmental impacts.” Volunteerism among millennials set a record, beating the national average. Generation Z — those born after the millennials in the late 1990s and early 2000s, currently roughly 12 to 21 years old — are becoming the new environmentalists. They’re involved in environmental movements and are choosing schools based on sustainability.

Trend 4

“Root to Stem,” as the fourth trend is called, refers to waste that has previously ended up in landfills now being upcycled or eliminated entirely. It can be as diverse as brewery grain flour or plastic straws. “Zero Waste,” “Recommerce,” and “Conscious Consumption” are other terms for this trend. Globally, one third of all food is wasted each year. Each American wastes 4.4 pounds daily, or the weight of a 22-foot U-Haul truck each year. Only nine percent of plastics are being recycled, with eight million metric tons dumped into the oceans each year. In response to the 500 million plastic straws discarded daily, plastic bans are spreading nationwide. Major corporations are committing to products such as single-use plastics and practices such as zero-emission deliveries. At homes, composting is the new recycling, and it can reduce household waste by up to 40 percent. Food is the largest waste in landfills, “more than diapers, Styrofoam, and tires combined.”

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Trend 5

“Silence of the Insects” refers to global insect collapse, why this is important, and techniques to reverse this fifth trend of 2019, including defensive gardening and changing habits. This trend is dangerous, according to a Harvard biologist: “Insects are the foundation of our ecosystem.” The plight of pollinators is one example familiar to many gardeners, with 40 percent — particularly bees and butterflies — risking global extinction. Invasive species of plants and insects are one reason for this pollinator decline. The National Wildlife Federation reports that 42 percent of threatened or endangered species are at risk due to invasive species. Early detection, rapid response, and preventing the spread of invasives are the main ways to deal with this threat. Planting insect gardens; selecting insect-friendly native trees, shrubs, and flowers; adding a compost pile; being mindful of pesticide use; adding a pond or water feature; and letting some of your landscape go wild are all means to help reverse the decline of beneficial insects.

Trend 6

“Robo Gardening” — the sixth 2019 trend — refers to the increased use of technology in gardening. High-tech tools can free gardeners from unpleasant or boring tasks, or just make them better gardeners. Smartphone apps help organize plant information, a solar-powered robot can weed whack for up to three hours, wireless plant sensors and sprinkler systems often water more effectively. Experimental mini-drone bees have been 37 percent successful in pollinating flowers. Drones are being used to monitor crops for pests, and to apply controls.

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