American-made, Upcycled, Peat-Free Soil Reduces CO2 Emissions for a Healthier Planet

In recognizing Earth Day 2025, Ambridge, PA-based PittMoss is proud to announce a range of significant environmental achievements regarding the use of its American-made, peat-free potting mixes and soils, which demonstrate the company’s commitment to sustainability and pioneered the use of upcycled materials in growing healthier plants for a healthy planet.

Over the recent years, PittMoss has made a substantial impact on protecting the environment – capturing 20,026 metric tons of CO2 and 270 kilograms of N2O, while preventing 1,691 tons of paper and 3,596 tons of cardboard from ending up in landfills. Additionally, PittMoss has reduced the need for more than 40 million gallons of water when compared to traditional peat-based soils.

To put PittMoss’s environmental accomplishments into perspective, the 20,026 metric tons of CO2 emissions reduced is equivalent to several notable benchmarks, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalences website calculator based on emissions:

• 50M miles driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle
• 22M pounds of coal burned
• 1.6B smartphones charged
• 1.7M trash bags of waste recycled

“PittMoss, made right here in Ambridge, PA, pioneered the peat-free movement and is committed to producing the best performing, peat-free potting soils and mixes on the market, resulting in not only healthier plants and vegetables, but a healthier planet,” said Brian Scott, CEO, PittMoss. “We are proud to partner with our commercial grower customers and garden centers across the country as they strive to beautify and protect their communities.”

Annually, PittMoss acknowledges and rewards each of its commercial grower customers and garden center partners for their commitment to environmental sustainability based on their purchases and use of PittMoss with an "Environmental Savings Certificate," reflecting their individual impact in reducing CO2 emissions.

Made from upcycled paper products, nutrient-rich PittMoss organic-certified soils are the cleanest on the market – free of PFAS, herbicides and pesticides, heavy metals, weed seeds and insect larvae, and its use can reduce water usage by up to two-thirds.

Over the recent years, Better Homes & Gardens has ranked PittMoss’s Plentiful the “#1 Best Overall Potting Soil,” for use in planting and growing indoor and outdoor plants, and Country Living magazine has named PittMoss’s Plentiful Garden Potting Soil the “Best Peat Moss-free Soil.”

About PittMoss - www.pittmoss.com

Founded in 2015 in Ambridge, PA, PittMoss’s portfolio of patented products made from organic, recycled paper reduce runoff through enhanced nutrient absorption and superior moisture wicking. Its carbon-rich, living soil environment helps achieve superior root development – producing bigger, healthier plants with less water and fertilizer than competitors.

* Sources: Emissions calculator https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator at https://www.wetlands.og/publications/peat-co2/

PittMoss would like to thank Ray Greenstreet of Greenstreet Growers for providing another great and informative video from his greenhouse on how he planted the fall pansy and viola crops in 100% sustainable, peat-free PittMoss. 

Check out his Instagram video here - 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-_fdU5OneV/?igsh=MWx5eGJwamJ2Nmd1Nw==

*Better Homes & Gardens voted PittMoss Plentiful Organic Potting Soil their #1 top pick for BEST overall potting soil and Performance for BEST peat-free soil in 2022, 2023 and 2024!

For more information about PittMoss sustainable, peat-free products, check out our website at: www.pittmoss.com

PittMoss does it again! A few days ago, PittMoss had the honor of volunteering at the Remember Me Rose Garden, a specially designed garden in Somerset County, PA, created to honor the heroes of United Flight 93, who were the first defenders of Freedom during the 9/11 terror attacks on America. 🇺🇸

During a special, Rose Care MasterClass led by internationally renowned Rosarian, Stephen Scanniello, curator at the New York Botanical Garden and Elizabeth Park Conservancy, nearly 40 volunteers pruned and weeded the 13-acre Rose Garden in preparation for the summer tourist season.

The volunteers all received their own bag of PittMoss Plentiful Organic Potting Mix for use in their home indoor and outdoor flowers and vegetables as a way to say thank you for volunteering. 🌹

Situated just 1/4-mile east of the entrance to the Flight 93 National Memorial, the Remember Me Rose Garden offers a tranquil setting for remembrance, prayer, meditation, and healing:

• A large, floral compass design spanning 280 feet
• A 30-foot fountain and reflecting pond in the center of the compass
• 40 memorial stones engraved with each of the names of the heroes of Flight 93
• 400+ award-winning “Julie Andrews” pink rose bushes, named for the iconic actress and performer
• 2,300 flowering perennials, 100 Heritage rose bushes, and 1.5 acres of wildflowers
• A 16-foot-tall wooden cross – the first memorial erected at the actual Flight 93 crash site
• A ½-mile walking trail that nearly encircles the site, with benches placed intermittently for rest and prayer

PittMoss is proud to support the communities in which we live and work. 

If you’d like to learn more about our line of award-winning, peat-free products, just visit www.pittmoss.com or ask for it at your local home and garden store. You’ll see why Better Homes & Gardens rated us the #1 potting mix two consecutive times!

PittMoss is proud to announce its significant environmental achievements regarding the use of its peat-free, award-winning potting mixes and soils, demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainability and the use of upcycled materials in growing healthier plants for a healthy planet. 

 Through the utilization of upcycled soil products over the recent years, PittMoss has made a substantial impact:

• Capturing 18,780 metric tons of CO₂ and 253.32 kilograms of N₂O
• Preventing 1,665 tons of paper and 3,124 tons of cardboard from ending up in landfills
• Reduced the need for more than 37.560 million total gallons of water when compared to traditional peat-based soils

“The magnitude of PittMoss's environmental efforts is significant, particularly in relation to CO₂ emissions,” said Brian Scott, CEO, PittMoss. “We are committed to providing the best performing soils on the market, including being the most sustainable soil solution for commercial growers, garden centers and consumers.”

To put PittMoss’s environmental accomplishments into perspective, the 18,780 metric tons of CO2 emissions saved by PittMoss is equivalent to several notable benchmarks, according to the Environmental Protection Agency:

• 48 million miles driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle
• 20.7 million pounds of coal burned
• 1.240 billion number of smartphones charged
• 815,693 trash bags of waste recycled instead of landfilled

Annually, PittMoss acknowledges and rewards each of its commercial grower customers and garden center partners for their commitment to environmental sustainability based on their purchases and use of PittMoss with an "Environmental Saving Certificate," reflecting their individual impact in avoiding CO₂ emissions. 

According to Scott, PittMoss has been at the forefront of environmental advocacy since its inception, striving to raise awareness of its peat-free soils. The company also recently also received two additional patents from the USPTO because of its innovative solutions through the manufacturing process of upcycled materials, such as paper and cardboard.

Nutrient-rich PittMoss organic-certified soils are the cleanest on the market – free of PFAS, herbicides and pesticides, heavy metals, weed seeds and insect larvae, and its use can reduce water usage by up to two-thirds.

These benefits, among others, resulted in Better Homes & Gardens (March 2024) ranking PittMoss the #1 Overall Potting Soil for the second consecutive time for use in planting and growing both indoor and outdoor plants. And, a recent review from Green Stalk Garden (April 2024) said PittMoss’s soil were lightweight and not prone to clumping. Plus, with PittMoss, seeds germinated quickly and maintained consistent growth.

And, in a story out of WPMT-TV in Harrisburg (March 2023) about, “Why gardener should shift from using peat-based products in their gardens, there are alternatives,” the report referenced the United Nations stat that carbon dioxide emissions from drained and burned peatlands equate to 10% of all annual fossil fuel emissions. 

The news piece said PittMoss is helping with the shift away from peat by developing and selling peat-free potting mixes from organic, recycled paper that is locally sourced and high performing.

Interested in learning more about how you can help be a part of the movement to grow healthy plants and veggies for a healthier planet? Just visit www.pittmoss.com 

As the world celebrates Earth Day and Earth Week 2024, PittMoss, a leading provider of innovative potting mixes and soils, has marked an impressive milestone with a 22 percent sales surge in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This substantial growth is attributed to the soaring demand for its award-winning product line among commercial growers, garden centers, and consumers alike.

Recently, the company’s products were recognized for the second consecutive time by Better Homes & Gardens as the best overall potting soil mix for indoor and outdoor gardens.

The company's success can be traced to its commitment to delivering high-quality, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional, peat-based soil products. PittMoss's innovative peat-free products not only foster healthier plant growth but also promote sustainability, resonating with an increasingly environmentally conscious consumer base. Its soils are nutrient-rich, certified organic and are among the cleanest on the market – free of PFAS, herbicides and pesticides, heavy metals, weed seeds and insect larvae, and its use can reduce water usage by up to two-thirds.

The 22 percent year-over-year sales increase showcases not only the effectiveness of PittMoss's products but also its adeptness in meeting evolving market demands. By consistently delivering superior solutions backed by extensive research and development, PittMoss has solidified its position as a leader in the industry.

As the global focus on sustainable agriculture intensifies, PittMoss stands poised for further growth and innovation. With a track record of surpassing expectations and a commitment to excellence, PittMoss is primed to continue its upward trajectory, setting new standards for environmentally-friendly gardening practices and redefining the future of horticulture.

For more information about the best-performing soils on the market and what's next for us, visit www.pittmoss.com.

Recently, PittMoss’ product experts, Mitch Gray and Mark Goldman, attended the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) Members Dinner Meeting at Wekiwa Gardens Inc, Apopka, FL, in mid-March. With an impressive turnout of more than 66 members, including PittMoss’ special guest Randy Osborn from Pennington Seed, the meeting was off to a promising start. 

With the team leading discussions about water efficiency and nutrient buffering, PittMoss garnered enthusiasm to do trials with Plentiful 2CF bags, along with the potential for sales.

The following day, Mitch and Mark visited Southeast Soils Inc., where Mitch's longstanding relationship with the owner opened doors to collaboration. The facility's cutting-edge mixing line, coupled with Southeast’s interest in incorporating PittMoss into their mixes, presented an exciting opportunity, including interest in PittMoss for various applications, from compost acceleration to manufacturing potential.

Working and developing relationships in this part of the country align with PittMoss' strategy to better serve the Florida market and supports the company’s goal of promoting sustainability at major attractions, such as SeaWorld and Disney World.

Switching gears to the Illinois Nursery Show, sales expert Dan Bielinski helped lead the effort to develop and strengthen relationships with new and existing customers among the 60-plus attendees. The visibility of the PittMoss throughout the event, coupled with positive discussions, helped bolster relationships with existing contacts and improve the company's visibility with key targets.

A highlight of the recent weeks also included a special workshop presentation PittMoss’ Research and Development Manager, Maggie Cullinan, shared during the 2024 Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) conference in Columbus, Ohio, where she discussed, The New Paradigm: Promoting Circularity in Agriculture Using Practical, Local Approaches. During the presentation, Maggie shared information about the sustainability across the life cycle of different growing substrate components.

Overall, our recent efforts “in the field” have helped validate the commitment PittMoss has in helping disrupt the garden market with peat-free products, which are sustainable, use less water and deliver better yields for both commercial and consumer customers. And, it further supports why Better Homes & Gardens has ranked our products the #1 potting soils for the second consecutive time.

Visit our website tat www.pittmoss.com to learn about the next evolution of PittMoss’ growth!

Check out our origin story! Check out our episode on Shark Tank, Saturday, April 6, 6 p.m., on CNBC!

Everyone knows peat moss is a material commonly used in gardens and nurseries. But the problem with peat moss is that harvesting it is terrible for the environment. In fact, peat moss Bogs represent 5 percent of the earth's surface and yet they contain more carbon than all the planet's forests combined. As soon as we start messing around peat moss, the carbon is released. That’s a problem for all of us.

That’s why Mont Handley, from Pittsburgh, created PittMoss, which is a clean and green alternative to natural peat moss. Why? PittMoss is made from recycled fiber products, such as paper and cardboard. These recyclable materials are broken down into organic fibers and turned into PittMoss, and voila! – commercial growers, nurseries, garden centers and home gardeners now have a product superior to peat moss, is easy to use, uses less water and doesn’t contain any pathogens, weed seeds, mold spores and insect larvae.

Since PittMoss officially launched its retail line in 2017 and began distributing to nurseries and greenhouses, PittMoss continues to grow. In fact, the company recently booked its three largest orders in its history and was named the #1 overall potting mix by Better Homes & Gardens for the second consecutive time.

If you want to try this revolutionary soil substrate, check out your local garden store or purchase PittMoss at www.pittmoss.com on Amazon or at Esbenshades.

Our community of investors are concerned about the products they use in their gardens and have a deep love of not only health plants, but a healthy planet? Learn more about PittMoss by visiting us at www.pittmoss.com today.

PittMoss, a leading innovator in sustainable gardening solutions said the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted the company two patents for its revolutionary materials designed as substitutes for peat moss, along with the processes and apparatuses used for the production of the products. 

According to Brian Scott, CEO, PittMoss, these patents add to the sweeping array of trade secrets already awarded to the company, recognize PittMoss's pioneering innovations in the horticulture industry and further augment the company’s commitment to creating eco-friendly, peat-free alternatives – allowing growers, garden centers and consumers to grow bigger, healthier plants with less water and less fertilizer.

Specifically, the patented processes developed by PittMoss enable the production of bulk materials with physical properties similar to peat moss, making them ideal for various applications within the gardening and agricultural sectors. These lightweight materials are comprised of upcycled cellulose material, such as paper and cardboard and are characterized by their twisted, curled, clumped, and rolled structures, offer exceptional versatility and performance.

"Receiving these patents from the USPTO validates our dedication to innovation and sustainability in the field of horticulture and strengthens our overall IP portfolio, which also includes dozens of protected trade secrets,” said Scott. “We are proud to offer a viable alternative to peat moss, which not only exceeds the industry's performance standards but also contributes to environmental conservation, healthy plants and a healthier planet.”

The patented materials can serve as substitutes for traditional peat moss in various applications, including:

• Soil Conditioning: PittMoss materials enhance soil structure, improved water management and organic nutrient availability, promoting healthier plant growth.
• Absorbent Material: With superior water retention capabilities, PittMoss soils are effective in managing moisture levels in potting mixes and reducing water consumption by two-thirds.
• Readily Available Nutrition: The unique structure of PittMoss materials allows for efficient absorption and release of organic nutrients, ensuring optimal distribution and utilization.
• Clean Material: PittMoss soils are effective media, removing impurities and improving water quality in agricultural and industrial settings.

Moreover, the versatility of these materials extends to propagation media, where they exhibit properties similar to milled peat moss, making them ideal for nurturing seedlings and cuttings.

In addition to their functional benefits, PittMoss substitutes offer significant environmental advantages. By reducing reliance on peat moss, which is a non-renewable resource harvested from sensitive ecosystems, PittMoss contributes to biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration efforts.

In fact, over the recent years, the use of PittMoss by its customers has helped reduce 17,978 metric tons of CO₂ and 243 kilograms of N₂O in the environment. Further, in March 2024, Better Homes & Gardens – for the second year in a row – named PittMoss the Best Overall Potting Mix for indoor and outdoor plants.

For more information about PittMoss, please visit www.pittmoss.com today.

PittMoss, the leader in sustainable, peat-free gardening solutions, is rapidly gaining sales momentum in 2024. The company is set to outperform 1Q 2023 by more than 19 percent with delivered and confirmed orders, according to Brian Scott, CEO.

Scott attributes the fast start in 2024 to a strategic sales approach coupled with favorable market dynamics. The current peat shortage is causing the historically peat-focused customers to consider new and different alternatives, and this has been a tailwind for the company.  Sales to independent garden centers, nurseries, and soil mixers are driving most of the sales increase, but new ROOST animal bedding sales are also contributing to this upward trajectory.

PittMoss is currently running above 1Q 2023, representing a current growth rate of 19 percent. But according to Scott, new orders are flowing in daily and there are a number of substantial potential orders in the sales pipeline for both Q1 and Q2. So, the final Q1 sales numbers should significantly outperform the current 19% growth rate.

This exceptional sales performance underscores the strength and resilience of PittMoss' business model. Scott commented that he appreciates all of the investors that have helped support the company’s mission to date.  “For those investors that were seeking sustainable growth and impact-driven initiatives, we appreciate their support. PittMoss’ innovative products and commitment to environmental stewardship continues to represent a promising opportunity in the burgeoning sustainable agriculture sector.”

For more information about PittMoss' suite of environmentally sustainable soils and potting mixes, or to learn more about how you can be a part of the sustainable revolution with an investment in PittMoss, visit www.pittmoss.com.

PittMoss LLC

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Change is good.

Since 2014, PittMoss has been dedicated to the simple notion of providing a peat-alternative to the commercial grower and wholesale garden center marketplace – all while fulfilling its mission of protecting the environment so both plants and people thrive.

In fact, since 2014, the company’s suite of upcycled soil products have had a profound impact on the planet, including:

• Reducing 17,978 metric tons of CO₂ and 243 kilograms of N₂O
• Preventing 1,637 tons of paper and 2,913 tons of cardboard from landfills
• Reducing the need for more than 36 million total gallons of water compared to traditional peat-based soils
• Reducing 1,798 kilograms of nitrogen and 450 kilograms of phosphorus runoff

What does that mean for the planet?

We believe in the planet. That’s why our soil scientists are committed to the research and development of comprehensive substrate solutions for growers and garden centers alike – helping them simultaneously use less water and improve yield.

Our commitment to the environment and to our customers runs deep. As an example, let’s take a look at how a savings of 17,978 metric tons of CO₂ emissions equates to other parts of our lives:

•  46 million miles driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle
•  20 million pounds of coal burned
•  2 million gallons of gasoline consumed
•  2.2 billion smartphone charges
•  778,189 trash bags of waste recycled instead of landfilled

Source: www.epa.gov

Our customers make the difference.

Our commercial growers and garden centers rely on PittMoss because they know we are doing the right thing and working to create a positive impact on the environment with a sustainable alternative to peat. And, they know we offer a revolutionary soil solution more and more of their customers want.

Each year, PittMoss is proud to recognize its client partners with an “Environmental Savings Certificate,” which shows how many metric tons of CO₂ emissions they helped save. PittMoss also includes a “CO₂ Emissions Savings” sheet with every customer order.

Those are just some of the reasons Better Homes & Gardens ranked us, “#1 Overall Potting Soil,” and why Country Living magazine named us, “Best Peat-Free Soil.”

We are proud to acknowledge and support the ongoing efforts of commercial growers and garden centers working to make a positive impact on the environment, our communities and our planet.

If you’re not a PittMoss customer, contact us today at www.pittmoss.com to learn how you can do your part for the environment and see how PittMoss is leading the world in soil science.