How Composting Helps Combat Climate Change:
When food and yard waste decompose in landfills without oxygen (anaerobically), they produce methane, a greenhouse gas that traps 36 times more heat than carbon dioxide. Composting, on the other hand, breaks down organic matter aerobically, reducing methane production.
Composting helps to build soil organic matter, which can store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the soil. This process helps to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is a major contributor to climate change.
Compost acts as a natural fertilizer and soil amendment, improving soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. Healthy soil is better able to retain carbon and resist climate-related stress.
Using compost as a soil amendment can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, which require energy-intensive production processes and can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Composting turns waste into a valuable resource, closing the loop on organic materials and reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based inputs.
Benefits of Composting Beyond Climate Change:
Composting diverts organic waste from landfills, extending the lifespan of landfill sites and reducing the need for new landfill construction.
Compost helps soils retain moisture, reducing the need for irrigation and helping plants withstand droughts.
Healthy soil, improved by compost, is less prone to erosion, protecting waterways and soil fertility.
Composting initiatives can create jobs in waste management and agriculture, supporting local businesses.