GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – The amount of methane in our atmosphere has been rising since measurements began in 1983. Methane, a powerful heat trapping gas that is a main contributor to climate change, is formed through the by the anerobic decomposition of organic matter, or food waste breaking down without oxygen. Over 50% of methane emissions come from landfills due to food waste decomposing anaerobically. This is entirely preventable.
By composting our food waste instead of throwing it in plastic trash bags, we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and help reduce the air pollution. The positives of the process don’t end there as this will reduce the amount of waste processed by landfills and the process itself makes nutrient rich garden soil in the process, thereby reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. And you can do it in your own backyard.
The process of composting, or aiding the aerobic decomposition of organic matter, starts with nitrogen rich (or wet/green) organic material. Mixing in carbon rich (dried leaves, small pieces of paper, dried pine needles) organic material and allowing the sun to heat it up will kickstart the process. Microorganisms will start to break down the wet and dry waste, creating compost in the process.
Each week, you should turn the pile over to allow oxygen to infiltrate the mixture. This will allow the microorganisms to breath and digest, increasing the internal temperature of the pile and speeding up the process. In the winter months, composting will take more time, but in the summer with additional sunshine, the entire process can occur in about a month. Once you have your compost, put it around the roots of your favorite plant and watch it thrive.
Copyright 2025 WITN. All rights reserved.
