Alternatives to Peat
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The primary uses for peat include using peat as fuel and in horticulture. There are many alternatives to these practices so that we can reduce or dependence on peat resources and reduce the environmental impact from the extraction of peat.
The primary uses for peat include using peat as fuel and in horticulture. There are many alternatives to these practices so that we can reduce or dependence on peat resources and reduce the environmental impact from the extraction of peat.
Peat for fuel
_ Especially overseas, peat is burned for fuel. Alternatives to using peat as fuel include solar power, wind
power, hydroelectric power and even nuclear power. There are also other
alternative biofuels such as the new cattail biofuel project currently under
research by the IISD.
Peat for horticulture
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Peat is spread or mixed with soil
for planting, but peat pots are also made. A number of alternatives have
emerged, however, as we've become clearer about where peat is needed. Instead
of using peat as mulch, tree bark, cocoa shells, shredded prunings, straw, and
mushroom compost serve the same purpose, without drying out and blowing away,
which peat often does. In terms of soil improvement, animal manure, leaf mold,
and compost and vermicompost are just as effective.
Perlite and vermiculite are other alternatives for
tree and garden planting.
Peat pots are decomposable plant pots that are used inside green houses or for indoor planting. There are peat-free alternatives that are made from coir, which comprises fibers derived from the husk and outer shell of coconuts, as well as cow manure. Cow-pots are decomposable seed starter pots that can be planter right into the ground. Cow-pots can be found by clicking here. Other seed starter pots can also be made out items from home, such as egg cartons or newspaper. Click here for a video on how to make a seed starter out of newspaper.
Peat pots are decomposable plant pots that are used inside green houses or for indoor planting. There are peat-free alternatives that are made from coir, which comprises fibers derived from the husk and outer shell of coconuts, as well as cow manure. Cow-pots are decomposable seed starter pots that can be planter right into the ground. Cow-pots can be found by clicking here. Other seed starter pots can also be made out items from home, such as egg cartons or newspaper. Click here for a video on how to make a seed starter out of newspaper.
_ENVR 4000 Sustainable Water Management 2012