Cheshire West and Chester’s green-fingered gardeners are being urged to switch to peat-free compost, as part of an effort to cut down on carbon dioxide emissions.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has called for a phase-out of peat-based compost which is sold in garden centres and DIY stores

An estimated half a million tonnes of carbon dioxide is emitted each year as a result of peat extraction from sites in the UK for horticultural use.

This causes significant damage to the environment by harming valuable natural habitats and by releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change.

In a recent survey carried out by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), two-thirds of garden owners were not aware of the environmental issues surrounding peat and its extraction for use in compost and growbags.

“Peat soils are extremely valuable carbon stores, as well as being home to wildlife and important to archaeology, and we should be doing everything we can to protect them,” said Mr Benn.

Celebrity gardener Diarmuid Gavin, who is backing the campaign, said: “Using peat-free products in the home and garden is one of the simplest, yet most effective ways that people can make a positive environmental impact and reduce their carbon footprint.”

We all want to do our bit to help the environment and many gardeners pride themselves on their close relationship with Mother Nature, but research has shown that the environment can potentially be damaged if gardeners continue to use certain types of compost.

Why use peat-free compost?

It is made from recycled materials – which is good news for the environment because it cuts down the amount of organic waste that is sent to landfill.

Peat-free compost containing recycled materials is made from garden waste which would have previously been sent to landfill sites but is now being recycled on a large scale commercially for use in peat-free products.

It also gets good results for your garden.

It won’t cost you the earth – buying peat-free does not always mean a more expensive option.