Gardeners who want to protect nature this spring should avoid potting soil containing peat, according to the Consumentenbond. The organisation warns that ‘organic’ labels on bags in garden centres and DIY stores do not address the primary environmental concern.
The problem with organic labels
This organic label merely indicates that the fertilisers used are permitted in organic farming. Consequently, consumers may believe they are making an eco-friendly choice when they are not. The product remains unsustainable because peat extraction always leads to greenhouse gas emissions. These gases are released when the peatlands are drained for harvesting. The Consumentenbond explains that digging up peat soil damages the landscape and harms local ecosystems. Furthermore, the process causes significant $CO_2$ emissions. While the organisation views the EU Ecolabel as the best guarantee for peat-free soil, these products are currently unavailable in the Netherlands. Therefore, they recommend choosing soil with the MPS quality mark combined with a ‘peat-free’ claim.
Greener alternatives
Peat-free potting soil typically contains alternatives like compost, coconut fibre, or bark. Homemade compost is also an excellent option. In fact, some municipalities offer free compost for collection during this season. Natuurmonumenten also suggests using leaf mould. You can collect easily decomposable leaves from birch or oak trees in autumn and pile them in a corner of your garden. Earthworms, fungi, and other small creatures will soon inhabit the pile. These organisms break the leaves down into crumbly, fertile soil in less than a year. Garden centres acknowledge the harmful impact of peat. Intratuin, for example, is currently phasing out its use. The retailer states that 70 percent of its soil range now consists of peat-free products.
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