Green groups call for peat compost tax

Green groups have urged the Government to slap a £1-per bag tax on peat-based compost in the Budget on 23 March.

Wildlife and conservation groups say peat bogs dug up for compost are responsible for 630,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

The RSPB, Wildlife Trusts, Plantlife, Butterfly Conservation, the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Buglife and Vital Earth are calling on chancellor George Osborne to introduce a peat tax.

RSPB conservation director Mark Avery said: “It’s incredible that a product as environmentally-damaging as peat is still being widely consumed in the UK.

“We have got rid of lead in our petrol, CFCs in aerosols and DDT in the countryside – so why is this dinosaur industry still lumbering along, causing damage to our environment?”

Chief executive of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Catherine O’Connell, said: “Our bogs need the levy. Irish peat bogs are being torn apart to supply British gardeners with bags of peat compost.”

The Government has set a voluntary target to phase peat out by 2020. However, a report by the RSPB claims “it’s not strong enough or quick enough to make a real difference”.

Head of science at the Royal Horticultural Society, Dr Roger Williams, said that introducing a “punitive tax would not necessarily have the desired outcome of reducing peat use”.

Roger said: “The RHS is acutely aware of the adverse environmental effects of peat use and how vital it is to dramatically reduce gardeners’ usage. That’s why our gardens are 97 per cent peat-free.”

He said research into getting the best results from peat-free compost and raising awareness of peat issues was the best way to change behaviour.

But technical director at compost giant Westland, Dr Jamie Robinson, dismissed the tax call as “scaremongering”.

“Manufacturers have made tremendous progress in reducing peat,” he said. “A tax would punish consumers at a time of austerity when many are trying to save money by growing-their-own.”

Celebrities aired their views on Twitter. Former Gardeners’ World presenter Alys Fowler wrote of the tax proposal: “A tax I completely agree with!”

But Toby Buckland disagreed. He Tweeted: “LPG and solar panels are subsidised, so I say remove VAT from peat-free compost. Punish gardeners? Bad idea.”

Post from Amateur Gardening Blog 

 
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Insider News Midlands – Local firms named as national award finalists

An environmentally-friendly waste management firm and an aerial photography business are among the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire businesses competing for the British Chamber of Commerce awards.

Training company Evolution Training from Chesterfield; Vital Earth from Ashbourne; Upper Cut Productions from Nottingham and industrial equipment supplier Hall-Fast Industrial Supplies based near Newark, have all been shortlisted in the British Chambers of Commerce’s 2011 Business Awards.
The companies go into the national finals after scooping the regional awards in their respective categories.

Evolution Training won the regional Most Promising New Business title, whilst Vital Earth was named East Midlands Business of the Year and also won the regional Sustainability Award.
Upper Cut Productions scooped the regional Innovation Through Technology Award, whilst Hall-Fast won the regional Achievement in International Business Award. Owner Malcolm Hall was also named East Midlands Entrepreneur of the Year.

George Cowcher, chief executive of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "All have demonstrated commitment, creativity and a determination to succeed during what has been another challenging year and it’s absolutely fantastic that Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have enjoyed so much success at the regional awards, with representatives in three categories at the prestigious national business awards in November.

"Out of the nine regional awards this year, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire produced finalists in six of the categories, which once again provides compelling evidence that these two counties truly are the engine room of the East Midlands economy."

Insider News Midlands – Local firms named as national award finalists

 
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Vital Earth Adds To Salesforce In The South West

Vital Earth, the manufacturer of peat-free organic compost and natural fertilisers, has appointed Ros Shearn as Area Sales Manager for the South West of England, covering the Vital Earth and Growise brands.

Ros has joined Vital Earth after area sales roles for Sankey and Fiskars and has considerable experience in the garden market.  Commenting on her new role, Ros said, “I’ve always enjoyed the garden industry.  It’s a great sector anyway and to be with a company like Vital Earth is a really excellent opportunity.  As a relatively young company at the cutting edge of the green agenda, it’s an exciting place to be.” 

Extensively endorsed by commercial growers as well as by Which? Gardening, Vital Earth branded products are all sourced within the UK, peat-free and 100% recycled.  Growise is peat-reduced and continually reducing and also uses a green waste diluent.  The two brands together offer retailers an excellent quality two stage route going completely peat-free in line with proposed Government legislation and consumer choice.  Every pack bought not only grows great plants, it also represents a reduction in society’s landfill needs.

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RSPB Compost Cake... Muddy Lovely

The launch of our NEW RSPB endorsed Multi Purpose Organic Compost was given an extra dimension on the stand - by a cake decorated to echo the new composts packaging.

The icing was done by Carol Rogers, Wife of Vital Earth employee Terry Rogers.

Carol is a British Sugarcraft Gold Medal Winner - so a work of art was pretty much guaranteed.

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VITALIZER WINS BEST RETAIL AWARD

Vitalizer, Vital Earth’s green waste derived fertilizer, which is positioned as the chemical-free alternative to Growmore, ideal for grow your own vegetables, has just won Best Retail Product at the Four Oaks exhibition, following a year of phenomenal sell-through.  The product has no added chemicals and is the first and only plant food to be made through the composting of recycled green waste.

Feedback from the market shows that consumers appreciate the fact that Vitalizer is a long lasting feed, containing numerous trace elements that can only come from its green compost source.  These break down in use to create slow release benefits for all kinds of fruit, vegetables and flowering plants. 

Presented in a pelletised format for easy application, it comes in a 6KG tub for convenience of use and storage.  The tub has bright, quirky, vigorous graphics, typical of Vital Earth packaging, giving great stand out in store.   Like Vital Earth’s core compost range, Vitalizer is made from garden and food waste which would otherwise go to landfill, plus naturally derived organic nutrients and it has taken the recycled green garden waste message into the feeds category for the first time. 

Vitalizer was created in house and extensively researched both as a concept and in terms of presentation, via consumer focus groups.  Not surprisingly the name has proved a real motivator as well as the unique environmental provenance.

Said Vital Earth sales and marketing manager, Maryanne Stokes, “Vitalizer is a great performance feed, successfully trialled with consumers and  professionals alike and ticking all the right environmental boxes.  Now it’s won Best Retail Product, we are delighted and know for certain our pioneering first into the recycled  feeds category is another big winner.  Innovation is our middle name!”

Vitalizer has a recommended retail price of £7.99.  In 2012, it will be promoted as a consumer offer as Buy Two Tubs for £12, so not only green but great value at only £1.00 per kg!

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VITAL EARTH LAUNCHES RSPB MULTI PURPOSE COMPOST IN START OF ONGOING PARTNERSHIP

Vital Earth has embarked on an ongoing partnership with the RSPB with the launch of RSPB Multi Purpose compost, a ‘no peat’ product made at the company’s £12 million state of the art compost manufacturing plant in Derbyshire.   The new product is made from recycled garden waste, thoroughly sanitized via Vital Earth’s patented in vessel process and blended with a diluent of FSC bark.

Being 100% peat-free, British, sustainable and wildlife-friendly, it is an ideal product for a wide range of gardening activities, including seed sowing, potting and planting up containers.

The formulation includes an entirely natural, long-lasting growth booster, which encourages strong healthy plants with minimal additional feeding, complementing the natural reserves of recycled nutrients in the green compost.  It is wholly sustainable and helps to protect the natural environment. 

Developed in house and tested in focus groups who all said that the brand endorsement alone was enough to buy it straightaway, RSPB Multi Purpose ‘no peat’ compost comes in a 50 litre bag with an RRP of £5.99.  Lively, vigorous packaging and point of sale – typical of the quirky, fun Vital Earth style – will give the product fantastic stand out in retail.

Commenting on the launch, Doug Christie,  commercial manager of the RSPB said, “The RSPB helps look after birds and other wildlife and thankfully, lots of UK gardeners want to do their bit to help too. Opting for peat-free compost is a good way to do this and The RSPB has been campaigning for people to use peat-free alternatives for some time. It’s great to be able to put our name to an environmentally kind and wildlife friendly compost which is certain to give great results in the garden too and the product that Vital Earth has developed for us is a very good fit.”

Vital Earth sales and marketing manager, Maryanne Stokes added, “Everyone at the company is thrilled by the launch of RSPB Multi Purpose compost.  We are extremely proud to be partnering RSPB and to have its endorsement.  This is also great news for Vital Earth customers, who will have yet another sure fire winner on their hands!  When it comes to a guarantee of quality and market appeal, not to mention the captive audience of circa one million RSPB members in the UK, the RSPB brand is a real benefit. 
“We are convinced that this product will enable many more retailers to go peat-free with absolute confidence.  RSPB Multi Purpose compost will simply fly off the fixtures.”
For further information, pictures or product samples, contact:

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VITAL EARTH LAUNCHES RSPB MULTI PURPOSE COMPOST IN START OF ONGOING PARTNERSHIP

Vital Earth has embarked on an ongoing partnership with the RSPB with the launch of RSPB Multi Purpose compost, a ‘no peat’ product made at the company’s £12 million state of the art compost manufacturing plant in Derbyshire.   The new product is made from recycled garden waste, thoroughly sanitized via Vital Earth’s patented in vessel process and blended with a diluent of FSC bark.  Being 100% peat-free, British, sustainable and wildlife-friendly, it is an ideal product for a wide range of gardening activities, including seed sowing, potting and planting up containers. 

The formulation includes an entirely natural, long-lasting growth booster, which encourages strong healthy plants with minimal additional feeding, complementing the natural reserves of recycled nutrients in the green compost.  It is wholly sustainable and helps to protect the natural environment. 

Developed in house and tested in focus groups who all said that the brand endorsement alone was enough to buy it straightaway, RSPB Multi Purpose ‘no peat’ compost comes in a 50 litre bag with an RRP of £5.99.  Lively, vigorous packaging and point of sale – typical of the quirky, fun Vital Earth style – will give the product fantastic stand out in retail.

Commenting on the launch, Doug Christie,  commercial manager of the RSPB said, “The RSPB helps look after birds and other wildlife and thankfully, lots of UK gardeners want to do their bit to help too. Opting for peat-free compost is a good way to do this and The RSPB has been campaigning for people to use peat-free alternatives for some time. It’s great to be able to put our name to an environmentally kind and wildlife friendly compost which is certain to give great results in the garden too and the product that Vital Earth has developed for us is a very good fit.”

Vital Earth sales and marketing manager, Maryanne Stokes added, “Everyone at the company is thrilled by the launch of RSPB Multi Purpose compost.  We are extremely proud to be partnering RSPB and to have its endorsement.  This is also great news for Vital Earth customers, who will have yet another sure fire winner on their hands!  When it comes to a guarantee of quality and market appeal, not to mention the captive audience of circa one million RSPB members in the UK, the RSPB brand is a real benefit. 
“We are convinced that this product will enable many more retailers to go peat-free with absolute confidence.  RSPB Multi Purpose compost will simply fly off the fixtures.”

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VITAL EARTH ‘CONTAMINATION FORUM’ SHORTLISTED FOR LOCAL AND NATIONAL AWARDS

Ashbourne-based, Vital Earth has been shortlisted in both local and national awards for its pioneering work to bring local authorities into an innovative scheme to improve household recycling.  Called the Contamination Forum, the Vital Earth initiative aims to introduce cross border co-operation between six Midlands’ local authorities with a view to improving the quality of recycled organic waste in each of their territories.

The first scheme of its kind in the country, in its first year of operation it has been shortlisted for the Environment Award in the Derbyshire Chamber Excellence Awards, won a Green Apple in the national campaign to find Britain’s greenest companies and been adopted by The Association of Organics Recycling (AFOR) as the ‘standard’ for recycling best practice and rolled out nationally.

While many waste processors take only garden waste, Vital Earth is currently licensed to take, green and kitchen waste, plus cardboard.  From the local authority viewpoint this has been a real advantage with no extra kerbside bins needed and no extra separation by the householder.  However, the mix of waste streams can give rise to problems with non-permitted materials finding their way into kerbside collections and as local authorities have limited incentive to work across borders and take a co-operative approach, Vital Earth stepped in.  With the company taking green waste from a number of neighbouring councils, it is perfectly placed to see the common problems and appreciate the most successful ways of solving them.

So Vital Earth created a Contamination Forum to encourage and / or force co-operation between the councils through a combination common rules and incentives for the council’s themselves and better, more consistent communications to householders.

Vital Earth makes peat-free composts and fertilisers from recycled garden waste sourced from kerbside collections by six Midlands local authorities - Derby City, Staffordshire Moorlands, Derbyshire Dales, East Staffordshire, South Derby and Stoke. It handles 85,000 tonnes of organic waste per year and makes around 50,000 tonnes of end product. 

As a result of winning the Green Apple, Vital Earth will be considered for a place in the European Business Awards in the Environment.

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Vital Earth / Growise Brochure 2012

Visit The Greener Gardener for more information on our Organic and Peat Reduced Composts

Autumn Seasonal Tips

	Things to do in Autumn The first of the autumn months, combines spells of warm dry weather plus some noticeably cooler, windier days, maybe even early morning frost.... That's the theory anyway! Actually it's the shortening days that make most difference in the garden, although staking plants against gales and protecting anything very tender from frost is probably wise. If you have a new lawn, now's the time to aerate and apply sharp sand and compost, plus some autumn fertiliser. Prepare new beds for future herbaceous plants and dig in soil improver. At the end of this month you can plant shrubs and trees for next year. If you are thinking of a new hedge, then now is the time to plant it. Grow Your Own Vegetables and Herbs You can sow lettuce for over-wintering and also parsley for a spring crop. Grow Your Own herbs and vegetables For more about Vital Earth visit www.thegreenergardener.com   Hoe in wood ash or sulphate of potash into rose beds. Plant iris bulbs in pots of compost ready for next year and store under glass. Sow seeds for lilies in pots of compost or propagate cuttings. Plant bulbs both in outside beds or in pots of compost for spring. This Month's Grow Your Own Featured Recipe Blackberry and Apple Loaf A great addition to the kids lunch box when they go back to school and an ideal way to get them to eat fresh fruit. For this and more delicious seasonal recipes please visit the grow your own recipes on our greener gardener website