At Dynamic Print, we’re always interested in the materials we use where they come from, how they’re made and what happens to them afterwards. So, while we might spend most of our time thinking about paper, printing and finishing, we also like looking at sustainability in other areas. One example is something many of us use in our gardens: peat.
What is peat?
Peat forms over thousands of years in waterlogged conditions, where plants and mosses such as sphagnum break down very slowly. Peatlands are important natural environments. They provide habitats for plants and wildlife, help manage water and, importantly, store large amounts of carbon. The problem is that peat is being extracted for use in gardening much faster than it can naturally form. Once peatlands are drained and damaged, they can release some of the carbon they have stored for thousands of years.
Why choose peat-free?
The good news is that we don’t need peat to grow healthy plants. There are now plenty of peat-free composts available, using alternatives such as:
- Wood fibre
- Bark
- Coir
- Recycled green-waste compost
- Wool and other natural materials
If you’re buying compost, one of the simplest things you can do is look for “peat-free” on the packaging. It’s a small change, but choosing peat-free products helps reduce demand for peat extraction and supports the protection of these valuable ecosystems.
A few simple ways to garden more sustainably
Going peat-free is just one change you can make.
Make your own compost
Garden waste and suitable kitchen waste can be turned into useful compost rather than thrown away.
Collect rainwater
A water butt is a simple way to collect rainwater for use in the garden.
Reuse where you can
Plant pots, containers and other garden materials can often be reused rather than replaced.
Grow for wildlife
Flowers, native plants and areas of less-managed garden can provide valuable food and shelter for insects and other wildlife.
What does this have to do with Dynamic Print?
Quite a lot, actually. At Dynamic Print, we’re always looking at alternatives to traditional materials and finding more interesting ways to make print. We work with a growing range of sustainable and unusual papers, including seeded paper, recycled papers, cotton papers, seaweed paper and papers made using agricultural and other waste materials. Seeded paper is a great example. Once the printed piece has served its purpose, it can be planted and, with the right conditions, the seeds can grow. Just as gardeners are looking for alternatives to peat, we’re interested in alternatives to conventional paper materials. In both cases, it’s about asking whether we can achieve the result we want while making a better choice of material.
Small changes can make a difference
We don’t have to change everything overnight. Choosing peat-free compost, collecting rainwater, reusing materials or simply making more considered choices can all help. The same thinking applies to print. Whether you’re looking for seeded paper, recycled stocks or other sustainable papers, we’re always happy to talk through the options and help you find a material that works for your project.
Looking for more sustainable paper choices?
Explore our range of sustainable and eco-friendly papers, or get in touch with Dynamic Print to discuss your next print project.
