Celebrating International Compost Day: Reducing Methane Emissions One Step at a Time - By Yogini Bapat

Did you know that methane gas in the atmosphere has more than doubled in the last 20 years due to human activities? This potent gas has 25 times the heat-trapping ability of CO2 and stays in the atmosphere for 12 years, contributing to the formation of harmful tropospheric ozone, which can even cause premature deaths.

But where does methane come from? The main source is organic waste!

By taking care of our kitchen waste, we can reduce landfill waste, methane emissions, and indirectly, tropospheric ozone and other pollution caused by untreated organic waste. Today, on International Compost Day, I feel lucky to have shared my knowledge of composting with a few of my lovely, enthusiastic friends who live in my apartment.

The Impact of Methane

Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas that, although less prevalent than carbon dioxide (CO2), has a much more significant impact on global warming. Its heat-trapping ability is 25 times greater than CO2 over a 100-year period, making it a critical target in our efforts to combat climate change. When methane is released into the atmosphere, it not only contributes to the greenhouse effect but also forms tropospheric ozone, a dangerous air pollutant that can lead to respiratory problems and premature deaths.

Sources of Methane

A significant source of methane emissions is organic waste, which decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen) in landfills, producing methane as a byproduct. This includes food scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable materials. By diverting organic waste from landfills through composting, we can significantly reduce methane emissions and their associated impacts on climate and air quality.

Our Composting Workshop

To mark International Compost Day, I organized a small workshop with my apartment neighbors to share the benefits and techniques of composting. The enthusiasm and willingness to learn among my friends were truly inspiring. We discussed the basics of composting, including what materials can be composted, the ideal conditions for composting, and how to maintain a healthy compost pile.

Hands-On Learning and Fun

We didn’t just stop at theoretical knowledge. To make the workshop engaging, we conducted a quiz with eco-friendly prizes, which helped reinforce what we had discussed. It was heartwarming to see everyone participate actively and show genuine interest in learning about composting.

As a token of appreciation and to encourage sustainable living, we gifted everyone with plant-based floor cleaners from @be.__live. These eco-friendly cleaners are not only effective but also help reduce the chemical load on our environment, further promoting a greener lifestyle.

Inspiring a Greener Future

The success of this workshop has filled me with hope. By educating ourselves and others about composting, we can make a tangible difference in our fight against climate change. I am optimistic that my friends will soon embark on their composting journeys, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Join the Movement

As we celebrate International Compost Day, I encourage everyone to start composting at home. It’s a simple yet powerful way to reduce methane emissions, improve soil health, and support sustainable living. Together, we can make a significant impact on our planet’s future.

#inspire #imbibe #implement #compost #bioenzyme #compostworkshop #bioenzymesboonforgreenertomorrow

Let’s take this opportunity to make a change, starting with our kitchen waste. Happy composting! 

By Yogini Bapat, Kolkata

29th May 2024