It’s time to stop excavating our precious peatlands says the UK’s largest peat-free composter Veolia. The damaging practice has continued to grow despite national targets to phase it out.
In 2011 the Government called for retailers to reduce peat use by 2020, but industry has shown lack of commitment to embrace these ambitions. Compost no longer needs to include peat as there is already a rich supply of natural green waste on our doorsteps which can match its planting properties pound for pound.
Richard Kirkman, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Veolia UK & Ireland says:
Peatlands are currently being destroyed at breakneck speed in the UK. At this rate a vital ecosystem along with its wildlife and broader environmental value will be lost. Peatlands are carbon sinks, no different to rainforests like the Amazon – and yet peat decimation is happening on British soil.
Veolia collects green waste from millions of households through its nationwide composting sites, processing the organic material into a sustainable, peat-free, nutrient rich product for gardeners and farmers alike. We have the tools, supply and motivation to replace peat with a greener compost – but resolve must be reflected in legislation in order to encourage a quicker transition.
Government must act on two fronts; incentivise peat-free compost for consumers while discouraging peat use through a phased, wholesale ban. If we are serious about our planet’s health and childrens’ futures we need a root and branch removal of such a ruinous practice, especially when there is an alternative readily on hand to replace it.
