U.K. to phase out peat-based compost by 2020

The United Kingdom’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has issued a call for the phase-out of peat in compost material.

The phase out would mean that gardening centers and DIY stores would cease to sell peat-based composts for the amateur gardening market within ten years and switch to peat-free alternatives instead.

“The horticultural industry has made progress in reducing peat use over recent years, but given the urgency of reducing our emissions we need to go much further,” said Environment Secretary Hilary Benn. “I know that the proposed 2020 phase-out target for the amateur market will be challenging, but we know this is what we need to do. 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.”