Turn Food Scraps Into Soil, Not Methane

by Sofia Zapata, age 16

Methane is a gas worse than carbon dioxide when it comes to its negative effects on the environment. However, there is an easy way to reduce its production: composting.

Carbon dioxide is a clear gas composed of one carbon atom and two atoms of oxygen. It is mainly produced from human activities such as burning oil or natural gas. Methane is a colorless, odorless, flammable gas, and it is the main component of natural gas. Methane traps 25 times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide due to its strong ability to absorb infrared radiation, even though it degrades more quickly in the atmosphere.

Decomposition of organic waste, such as food scraps, without oxygen releases methane gas. Microorganisms called methanogens grow in oxygen-deficient environments and allow for the breakdown of organic matter into methane. Microorganisms and germs in waste are not always harmful, as they can play important roles in food production and environmental sustainability. However, appropriate composting is helpful to reduce this methane production, which ultimately has negative consequences for the environment.

Proper composting is a process that allows nature to break down organic waste, primarily plant matter foods. When done right, this process turns all the organic waste into fertilizer that gives nutrients to new plants and soil. Composting organic waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions from landfills or incinerators, improves air quality, and slows climate change.

Organic waste includes food scraps, yard waste, and food-soiled paper. Organic waste does not include plastics, metals, or glass. Trash and organic waste can't be combined into compost as they have different processes. Organic waste breaks down with oxygen and microorganisms, while trash simply decomposes. Organic waste compost has a “pleasant” Earthly smell; however, if you put it in a garbage bag with no oxygen, it will start smelling gross due to the lack of oxygen.

Composting is a great way to reduce the production of methane, provide nutrients to soil, and help combat climate change. It is one of the easiest ways to protect the Earth and make the environment healthier.

[Sources: The Spruce; WasteWell]