Using peat-based compost contributes to the destruction of wildlife habitats and the release of vast amounts of greenhouse gases. Profit, convenience & ignorance; it is the story of Climate Breakdown.
The peat extraction industry is a microcosm of the wider Climate Emergency. Using peat-bsed compost and plants contributes to the creation of greenhouse gases and the destruction of wildlife habitats.
So, why do we do it?
Profit, convenience & ignorance.
The peat industry is worth a lot of money, and they won’t change unless we, the public, demand the change from our governments, publicise the change and alter our buying habits.
Peat, which is essentially unripe coal, is easy to extract and transport on an industrial scale.
Most people don’t know that peat-based compost is very bad for the environment. There is no financial incentive to publicise the fact.
You are not powerless. You can change things:
Use PeatFree compost (see www.peatfree.org.uk for suggestions & information).
Only buy plants from nurseries that use peat-free compost. Ask them.