In a bid to boost the local economy and promote sustainability, the Turhal Municipality in Tokat, a city in Turkey’s mid-Black Sea region, has launched an eco-friendly project that repurposes fallen leaves from trees lining the streets. The leaves will be converted into peat, which will be used to grow flowers that beautify the city, reducing costs and fostering environmental responsibility.
The initiative, which began with the collection of leaves from various parts of Turhal, involves allowing the leaves to ferment under a layer of soil to produce peat. This locally sourced material will replace the need to purchase peat for the city’s flower beds.
Mayor Mehmet Erdem Ural explained that the project is designed to make better use of the city’s natural resources. “Instead of buying peat for our flowers, we plan to meet our needs by using this locally produced material,” Ural said.
With about 90,000 trees in the district, Turhal experiences a large amount of leaf fall during the fall and winter seasons. These leaves are gathered and buried in appropriate locations to transform into peat. The mayor highlighted both the financial and environmental benefits of the project, stating:
“This initiative will save our municipality money while helping to meet the city’s needs with locally produced materials. I am grateful to the teams working on this project. Our commitment to efficient governance will continue to benefit Turhal.”
The peat production project aligns with the municipality’s broader goals of sustainability and improving the city’s appearance.
Peat, a natural material formed from the slow decomposition of organic matter in waterlogged conditions, has gained renewed interest in recent environmental and economic efforts. Traditionally found in bogs and wetlands, peat is valuable for its ability to improve soil conditions and retain moisture, making it a key component in horticulture. Additionally, peatlands serve as important carbon sinks, contributing to climate regulation by storing significant amounts of carbon dioxide.
By turning fallen leaves into peat, Turhal is taking a step toward both environmental responsibility and economic self-sufficiency.
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