Worm World NewsNo.5 Beaver River Press All the news that’s fit to eat! Spring 2008Got Worms? Do the Right thing! Compost!Are you a composter? If you are the planet thanks you. Teach a friend or child. It will change their view of the world and our planet forever. If composting is new to you, read on. A little bit of knowledge can be a transformational thing….
Here are some facts which will help you understand why home or school composting is important. Whether its’ indoors with worms, outdoors, small or large scale.
• Since 1986 US landfills have decreased from almost 10,000 to about 1750 today. Many of these sites were old, unlined, environmental hazards. Liquids of all types including moisture from yard waste, food waste, chemicals from batteries, oils, paints and other disposed of items co-mingled to create both ground water polluting leachate and methane gas which was escaping uncontrolled into the atmosphere.
Today’s landfills are modern, efficient, well monitored and lined both at their base and on top to capture and control gas emissions. Capturing methane gas from landfills and using it to generate electrical power avoids methane escape to the atmosphere.
• Methane gas is 23 times more powerful than CO2 and is a major contributor to greenhouse gases and global warming.
• US Recycling rates have improved consistently over the last 20 years. Currently about
36% of all waste generated is recycled, but that is not enough. Volumes going to landfills and incinerators is not predicted to go down due to population growth rates and new product coming to market in packaging that is destined for landfills.
• 16% of waste generated in the US is managed through incineration. This is energy intensive, there is concern about dioxins released into the atmosphere and the ash must be disposed of in closed cell, specialized landfills and significant expense.
• 52% of waste generated in the US goes to landfills. The average tipping fee, or disposal cost for landfill disposal is $ 100/ton.
Percent of Organic Material Going to Landfills Annually?
• 32% is paper representing about: 49,000,000 tons
• 10 % is yard waste and landscaping residuals 16,000,000 tons
• 13 % is food waste 21,000,000 tons
• And then there is wood debris from construction, demolition, textile fabrics, etc.
Therefore between 24.7% - 56.7% could be captured depending whether paper is included. This is a tremendous volume and represents a major recyclable asset.
Why Recycling Organic Waste is Important and How it Helps!
• Diverting and keeping food waste out of your trash keeps the other recyclable materials cleaner and easier to handle. This increases recycling efficiency.
• It increases the efficiency of material that finds its’ way to incinerators and burns more efficiently.
• It reduces co-mingling of materials in landfills reducing leachate which is generally hazardous material.
• It reduces the potential generation of methane gas and its’ release to the atmosphere.
• Getting food waste out of your trash keeps it from getting stinky, reducing the frequency of removal.
• Most importantly, this organic waste can be recycled into compost and used to offset dependence on fossil fuels and synthetic fertilizers.
Everyone Can Compost!
Composting is something everyone can and should do.
• Homeowners Indoor or Outdoor Composting
• Apartment & Condo Dwellers Work with property managers and find a
site where the entire complex can compost. Even if its on the roof! Start a “green” roof top garden!
• Marina tenants Find a common spot to compost or work with local recycling coordinators and have a container placed to be taken every few days for composting.
• Schools/Colleges Switch to unbleached paper products. Find a location on campus and compost paper, food waste and landscape residuals.
Recycling and composting is a small thing, but it is something we can all do and feel good about doing.
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