This is a delicate balance of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, and fluorinated gases. An increase in GHGs can cause an increase in the planets temperature. Image 1.3 shows the ratio of the 4 gases in 2013 (Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, 2015). This is relevant to landfills and compost as both can produces various GHG’s.
One of the causes of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is from solid waste. However, carbon can be removed from the atmosphere through carbon sequestering. Carbon sequestering is the long-term storage of carbon in ocean, soil, vegetation and geologic formations. Oceans store the most however soil holds 75% of carbon on land and therefore play a leading role in the balance of carbon global cycle (Carbon Sequestration in Soils, 2000).
Organic carbon can be lost in soil from accelerated mineralization and erosion (Biala, J., 2011). Therefore, the break down of organic materials will produce carbon dioxide and water into the atmosphere. Composting can put organic carbon back into soil with a low carbon concentration. Increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) in the soil can replenish carbon depletion. C02 can be in the form of organic and inorganic. Inorganic is carbon in mineral form as calcium carbonate, or created from bedrock. Inorganic carbon is less likely to drop to an undesirable concentration, as it does not biodegrade. Organic carbon is a …show more content…
Commercial businesses that produce more than 8 cubic yards of waste a week will need to separate food waste and yard scraps to be picked up for composting (Biocycle, 2014). Furthermore, starting January 2017 businesses that produce more than 4 cubic yards of waste are subject to compost separation (Biocycle, 2014).
Through increased awareness on how to compost and the value of compost, this number can be reduced by
To reduce the amount of food waste in our landfills, quick how-to guides to compost needs to be easily available at various community institutions. As an example, schools can compost on campus to redirect food waste while providing the available guide to family and community members. Furthermore, students will have an opportunity to learn the benefits of compost with an opportunity to work in community gardens and use of such compost.
1. A well-ventilated container for ingredients to be held together while beneficial bacteria breaks down matter.
2. Make sure ingredients have a combination of brown and green matter along with light