I am delighted to share some exciting news with you all – after 22 years of peat production, the very last bag of peat-containing Miracle-Gro compost came off the line yesterday! This is truly a momentous moment for Evergreen Garden Care and a major step in the right direction for our industry – and the environment – as we move rapidly forward towards becoming 100% peat free.
For decades, peat has been a commonly used ingredient in many gardening products, including compost, due to its ability to retain moisture and provide a stable pH balance for plants. However, the extraction and use of peat has had detrimental effects on the environment, particularly peatlands, which are among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth.
Peatlands are vital for carbon storage, as they can hold up to 30 times their own weight in carbon, reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. The extraction of peat releases this stored carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming. In addition, the removal of peat disrupts the delicate balance of these ecosystems, endangering many plant and animal species that rely on them for survival.
Recognizing the negative impact of peat extraction on the environment, Evergreen Garden Care made the commitment to phase out the use of peat in our products by 2030. However, due to the urgency of the climate crisis, we have accelerated our timeline and are proud to announce that we are progressing towards our goal ahead of schedule.
The last bag of peat-containing Miracle-Gro compost symbolizes the end of an era and the beginning of a new, sustainable future. The development and production of peat-free alternatives have been a significant focus for our research and development team over the past few years, and we are thrilled to say that we have successfully formulated high-quality, environmentally-friendly alternatives that perform just as well, if not better, than traditional peat-based products.
This milestone achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our team, who have poured their hearts and souls into finding innovative solutions and ensuring a smooth transition towards peat-free production. We are immensely proud of their efforts, and we invite you all to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion.
To amplify our announcement, a post will be going out today on our LinkedIn page, and we are also releasing the story with the press, who were there to witness the last bag of peat-containing compost come off the line. We encourage you to share this news on your own social media pages and celebrate this important step towards a more sustainable future.
As an industry leader, we recognize the responsibility we have to contribute positively to the environment and protect the planet for future generations. Our commitment to becoming 100% peat free is a reflection of our dedication to sustainability and our desire to lead by example in our industry.
Moving forward, we will continue to invest in research and development to improve our peat-free products and explore further ways to reduce our environmental impact. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to partnering with all of you on this journey towards a greener and more sustainable future.
Thank you for your support and enthusiasm. Together, we can make a real difference and create a world where gardening thrives in harmony with nature.