"We like it the way it used to be, so you can all bog off and leave us alone", is the general sentiment in the UK, perhaps about most things, certainly about gardening. Perhaps most of the species feels this way about most things.
Whilst I understand the sentiment, it is unfair to generalise in such a sweeping manner. The UK populace has adopted change slowly perhaps and not always for the better I grant you. Similar to a number of other countries throughout the world - 1st or 3rd world however one wishes to describe them. The increase in power consumption obviously springs to mind - just in order to Google and Tweet and Text - that's been a massive change but is often described as "progress" so considered necessary. The "mining" of Bitcoins and other crypto currency also uses a huge amount of power which is generally passed over without much thought. Coal, oil,gas, nuclear - all have problems and those of us lucky enough to have electricity at the touch of a switch may like to ponder on that particular aspect of "life as we know it". I've been gardening for 50 years - I still keep the natural environment in mind and I imagine I am not alone in this. As for other species which we, like most humans everywhere, have managed to either extinguish or bring to the brink, they can do little but roll their eyes ( or induce a pandemic ? ) to bring us to our senses. There are organisations in the UK which work towards improving the environment - they don't always succeed or have the backing from above which they should but that is more politics and money than anything else. Of course there are always people everywhere who aren't interested unless it affects them directly 24/7 - you aren't going to change that attitude by simply arguing about Peat usage. I, as well as others, have admired your Community Gardening Projects - those taking part haven't just said "Bog off" ( well, maybe some have ) but on the whole you have been successful in your area. Comes down to information and education and promoting interest in your own environment.
I entirely agree; Including the bit about my making unfair, sweeping generalisations. I include myself (of course) as part of the species that wishes things were as they were before. I'm the biggest misanthropist going and seem to spend most of my life wishing the forces that be, would bog off and leave me alone.
I thought the piece on GW last night was very well presented and even handed. The producers were allowed to explain their position without being shouted down as they might have been with some presenters.
There is a huge rage of quality in peat composts too - from great to utterly horrible.
Monty did say that he doesn't see any reason why quality shouldn't be just as good for peat-free. Industry people did say that they are on a frontier - they need to find out more and investigate new methods of making and getting the best out of new media mixes.
It sounds like most of the industry are just starting to take the R&D seriously and are currently lobbying govt for funds to help with the swap over. If it's mostly a matter of water-holding properties, I imagine this will be the main focus of the future of the medium. Mushroom compost has high water retaining properties too.
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I've been gardening for 50 years - I still keep the natural environment in mind and I imagine I am not alone in this.
As for other species which we, like most humans everywhere, have managed to either extinguish or bring to the brink, they can do little but roll their eyes ( or induce a pandemic ? ) to bring us to our senses.
There are organisations in the UK which work towards improving the environment - they don't always succeed or have the backing from above which they should but that is more politics and money than anything else.
Of course there are always people everywhere who aren't interested unless it affects them directly 24/7 - you aren't going to change that attitude by simply arguing about Peat usage.
I, as well as others, have admired your Community Gardening Projects - those taking part haven't just said "Bog off" ( well, maybe some have ) but on the whole you have been successful in your area. Comes down to information and education and promoting interest in your own environment.