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What is composting and how can it benefit the environment?

Peggy Tyas

Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter such as food scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable materials into a rich, nutrient-dense soil amendment. Composting can benefit the environment in a multitude of ways.

Firstly, composting reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. When organic waste decomposes in landfills, it produces methane—a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. By composting, we keep this waste out of landfills and instead, turn it into a valuable resource to enrich soil and grow healthy plants.

Composting also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers leach into waterways, damaging aquatic life and polluting our drinking water. By using compost instead of chemical fertilizers, we can keep our waterways healthy and reduce the amount of harmful chemicals in our environment.

Composting also reduces soil erosion. When we add compost to soil, it increases its water-holding capacity and provides essential nutrients, which helps plants grow stronger and more resistant to pests and diseases. This, in turn, reduces the need for chemical pesticides, which can harm beneficial insects and other wildlife.

Another environmental benefit of composting is that it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When we compost, we divert organic waste from the landfill where it would otherwise produce methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Instead, we capture carbon in the form of organic matter and sequester it in the soil, where it can improve soil health and help combat climate change.

Ultimately, composting is a sustainable practice that promotes a circular economy in which waste is transformed into valuable resources. It reduces waste, conserves natural resources, and supports healthy ecosystems. By composting, we can take a simple yet powerful step towards creating a more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.