Reduce Methane Gas By Composting

By Jacob B., 10th year

 

Did you know methane is a greenhouse gas that is 26 times more potent than carbon dioxide? Methane made up 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions as of 2016, second only to carbon. A great way to reduce the amount of methane you produce is by composting! Composting not only reduces methane emissions but also reduces food waste, another major contributor to climate change. 

 

Beginning to compost for yourself is quite simple. One easy way to get started is to use a tumbler, as all the maintenance required is turning the tumbler a couple times a week. It is suggested that the tumbler be filled with three parts carbon-rich brown material (dried leaves, straw, cardboard,etc.) and one part nitrogen-rich green materials (vegetable waste, grass clippings, etc.). Food waste such as meat, and pet waste should not be added into the compost. 

 

Finally, composted soil helps plants to grow big and strong, meaning they sequester more carbon, reducing your carbon footprint as well! All in all, composting is just a great idea.

 

Primary student at the Primary compost