Archived press release

Don't buy peat this easter

13 April 2001

Don't buy 'misleading' Miracle-Gro compost this Easter - only purchase peat-free alternatives.That's the message Friends of the Earth is taking to gardeners this weekend, at DIY stores and garden centres across the country. The environment group is calling on retailers to follow the lead of B&Q which has stopped selling the product. FOE is also launching a spoof “Miracle-Gone”website (www.miracle-gone.co.uk) to provide information on the environmental damage caused by the product.

Miracle-Gro compost contains peat stripped from some of the very best wildlife habitats in the UK and Ireland [1] - but there is no mention of its peat content anywhere on the label. FOE believes that this is a clear attempt by its makers ( Scotts Company) to mislead customers who don't want to buy peat. According to latest edition of BBC Gardeners World magazine, a massive 74% of gardeners would now support a peat ban.

The UK's lowland raised peatbogs are amongst the most important and valuable wildlife habitats we have. They are home to many important species of birds, a wealth of unusual plants and thousands of rare insect species. Only a fragment of near-natural bog remains in the UK.

Opposition to the destructive peat industry has hardened dramatically in the last couple of years.The National Trust, which operates 200 of the nation's finest gardens, will be completely peat-free by the end of the year and the prestigious new “Eden Project” was developed without using peat.

B&Q, which holds 30% of market share in its sector, recently stopped buying Miracle-Gro compost,citing “commercial reasons”. But its bold decision directly followed briefings from Friends of the Earth on the environmental impact of the product.

The Government is also moving in on the peat industry, albeit slowly. Last August the Government said it would designate the largest remaining lowland raised peatbogs as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) to stop the sties from being destroyed.

But the US-based Scotts Company is doing everything possible to stop moves to protect our countryside. Eight months on from the Government's announcement, the destruction of peat sites continues. Scotts is also fighting the trend towards peat-free gardening with a massive £2m TV advertising campaign for Miracle-Gro compost, while hiding from customers the fact that the product contains peat.

Craig Bennett, Wildlife Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:
“If you buy Miracle-Gro you will be helping to destroy wildlife in our precious peat-bogs. This massive US corporation is ripping up the very best wildlife habitats both here and in Ireland,misleading customers, and fighting wildlife protection by our Government. Don't let Scotts make massive profits at the expense of the environment.

There are now plenty of alternatives to using peat in the garden. This Easter, Friends of the Earth is calling on gardeners everywhere to avoid Miracle-Gro, and buy only those composts which are labelled as peat-free”.

A detailed media briefing is available on request.

Photos also available from FOE
(e.g. local people protesting against peat bog destruction, aerial views of damaged peat bogs)

Spoof Miracle-Gone packaging / labels also available

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust