Ive heard that peat moss (Sphagnum) is a non-renewable product. Is there an alternative “starter” which can be used effectively?
Sphagnum Peat is largely a non-renewable product. Although there are several sources that harvest the product in a manner which does not destroy the bogs in which the peat grows, much of the product is harvested out of the bogs and not replaced. The alternative to Sphagnum is COIR, which is a cocoa peat (coconut fiber). It is manufactured from the dehydrated husks of coconuts. It is a renewable source since only the fruit of the palm tree is harvested; not the entire plant as is the case with Sphagnum. For those who have “storage limitations” (i.e. boats, RV’s) we offer COIR bricks for sale on our website. For more on the differences between COIR and Sphagnum, click on Compost Toilet Discussion Group.
