Composting & Climate Change

Composting can mitigate  the effects of climate change through both input (detour of organic materials from landfills) and output (improving soil health through the addition of finished compost).

The contribution of compost

Preventing further greenhouse gas emissions is an integral part of combating climate change, and recycling organics is one of the easiest ways to further those efforts.

Landfill Diversion

Globally, an estimated 30% of all solid waste in landfills is organic. An estimated 51% of all solid waste entering the La Antigua landfill is organic, (that is, compostable)! Keeping these organic materials out of  landfills  releases less greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. Organic waste disposed of in plastic bags becomes trapped and cannot decompose. Instead, it smells bad and produces methane gas. Methane is a greenhouse gas, so its presence in the atmosphere affects the earth's temperature and climate system. In addition, when many gases accumulate, they can cause dangerous fires in landfills. In the U.S., the USDA and EPA are working to achieve a 50% reduction in landfill organic matter by 2030.

Aligned To Global Goals 

The Sustainable Development Goals or Global Goals are a collection of 17 interrelated global goals designed to be a "blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all." The SDGs were established in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by 2030. Goals 11 and 12, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Responsible Consumption and Production, respectively, speak to the need for better waste management for a better future.

The Way Out - Compost Production

When you incorporate finished compost into our soils, you are improving the health and viability of the plants within those soils; this is when the benefits to our climate really take off!

Carbon Sequestration

Healthy soils amended with compost allow plants to sequester carbon from the atmosphere and store it safely in the soil. Recent studies from the University of California Davis in the U.S. have shown that when compost is added to the soil, benefits such as improved soil structure, nutrient availability, porosity, and drainage can be seen for the next 25 years. Creating conditions for plants to retain as much carbon as possible in the soil is an important way to combat climate change.

Preserve Nutrients

Compost enriches soils and gardens, so it keeps nutrients in the growing cycle and working for us. Composting produces nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus naturally, which eliminates the need for costly additional chemical fertilizers that have a detrimental effect on the environment and our bodies.

Less Synthetic Soil Amendments

Using compost helps suppress weeds and creates healthier plants, which also reduces the need for fertilizers, herbicides or fungicides. Not only does this lead to a reduction in resources used during production and transportation of these products, but fewer synthetic amendments help prevent long-term harmful effects on our systems. By minimizing the leaching of these products into our soil and water systems, we are allowing plants to thrive and return to their natural life cycle.

Reduction of Soil Contaminants

Compost has the ability to bind heavy metals and other contaminants and can be used as a filter media for stormwater treatment. In addition, the microbes found in compost can degrade some toxic organic compounds, including petroleum, and are vital for bioremediation and wetland restoration.

Water and Electricity Reduction

Compost can benefit your soils by better regulating the moisture content and water use of your plants, thereby reducing the amount of hand watering, especially in concentrated turf areas such as soccer fields and municipal parks. Lawns and parks amended with compost tend to be more drought tolerant in drier months and maintain better drainage in wetter months. This benefit extends to electricity by generally reducing energy consumption and preventing additional greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere.