As a recent Ecologist investigation into the threat to Britain's peat bogs reported, of the three million cubic metres of peat used every year, an estimated 69 per cent is by amateur gardeners who unwittingly contribute to the destruction of 'Britain's rainforest' when they purchase multi-purpose compost or 'grow bags'.
To try to stem this use of endangered peat in the nation's back gardens, Garden Organic has launched the 'I don't dig peat' campaign to encourage gardeners to choose peat-free products.
While peat is used as compost because it is good at retaining moisture and storing nutrients, the destruction of the UK's peatlands, which have all but been wiped out, contributes to climate change (as peat naturally stores a lot of carbon) and limits rare wildlife habitats.
TAKE ACTION
If you are a gardener please make the 'Peat-free promise' and stop using peat products in favour of environmentally-friendly products.
An Ecologist article on 'Peat-free compost: why to use and which to buy' is a good starting point to start to become a conscious gardener.
Garden Organic have a resources page with lots of downloadable information on becoming a peat-free gardener. While you are there you can sign up to the 'Peat Free Promise'.
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