Green groups call for Peat 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.  As such 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?”

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”.