Co-op is to enable gardeners to play their part in pruning greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as it commits to selling only peat-free bagged compost in its stores.
The move supports Co-op’s environmental commitments to cut GHG emissions to combat the climate crisis and sees the sale of peat-based bagged home compost completely banned from its stores.
Co-op is working with Westland – which has undertaken £35million of investment to develop a specially formulated high quality product – to “grow” a culture of more sustainable gardening. Co-op is rolling out Westland’s New Horizon peat-free bagged compost to over 1,100 of its food stores and forecourts which sell compost in time for spring.
Co-op halved its greenhouse gas emissions in the ten years from 2006, and has announced its commitment to reducing its GHG emissions in line with climate science, including reducing emissions from running its business by a further 50% between 2016 - 2025.
The retailer has introduced measures including sourcing only 100% renewable electricity for all Co-op stores, offices and funeral homes.
Martin Spencer, Co-op’s Buyer for Home and Leisure, said: “We want to make it easier for our Members and customers to make small changes in their everyday lives which, together, add up to making a big difference to our environment. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our products and services, and we continue to look for new and collaborative ways of working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which is imperative if we are to have a healthy, sustainable natural environment to pass on to future generations.” Nicky O’Malley, Head of Corporate Partnerships, RSPB, said: “It’s great to see the Co-op removing peat from all the composts it sells and leading the way to better gardening. Peatlands are special places for plants and birds and need this kind of protection from exploitation. We look forward to continuing to support Co-op with their ambitious environmental commitments to combat the climate and biodiversity crises.”
New Horizon peat-free bagged compost to be sold at over 1,100 Co-op stores, with product rolling out to stores from last month (March) in time for spring, including New Horizon peat-free Tomato planter, and peat-free compost in 20L and 50L pack sizes.
more: https://www.co-operative.coop/media/news-releases/for-peats-sake-co-op-helps-gardeners-prune-greenhouse-gas-emission-with