YouSustain

Action - Composting

Composting is the process of storing organic waste and letting it decompose into compost, which can be used as a fertilizer. There are many benefits of composting, including reducing the load on landfills, returning nutrients food chain, and reducing greenhouse has emissions.

The reduction in GHG emissions come from several areas. First, it is believed that organic waste in a landfill is a net emitter of GHG. Compost is considered a carbon sink, meaning it absorbs GHG. Second, by using compost as a fertilizer no energy and emissions are required to manufacture and transport a commercial fertilizr.

Known benefits and costs

Annual CO2 Savings100 - 350 kg
 220 - 770 lbs
Annual Cash Savings$0 - $100
Initial Cost$0 - $100
Time to pay for itself0.0 - 0.0 years
CO2 saved per year per initial dollar invested1.00 - 350.00 kg

* These values were taken from many sources including product documentation, published reports, and the referenced material below. The ranges are due to differences in methods of achieving this action.

Reference Links

The site admins voted these articles very good references

Composting Info Sheet

A good source of data for GHG reductions for individuals and families.

Reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost - why it's important!

A good list of ideas, stats on reductions, and links to good sources.

Eco-Landscaping Tips

Environmentally friendly ways to reduce yard maintenance, costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

How to Make Compost, a Composting Guide

A great and detailed guide on everything about making a compost.

Recent Related Links

Links that were recently submitted related to this solution

Carbon Emissions, In Perspective

A chart comparing the impact of various activities and items, to help put them all in perspective.

Get The Most Sustainability Out Of Your Stuff

22 easy tips and ideas that can lessen a persons impact on the environment.

Do-it-yourself: Stop junk mail, email and phone calls

Do-it-yourself: Stop junk mail, email and phone calls

Eat less meat to fight climate change: UN expert

The chair of the UN climate change panel thinks that reducing meat consumption is one of the quickest and easiest ways we can reduce emissions.

Landscape Shading

Shading windows can save a lot of energy. An air conditioner can be 10% more efficient when shaded, as well.

The Pros and Cons of Going Paperless

Thoughts on using technology to significantly reduce paper use.

Why You Will Eat Less in the Future

A good analysis on the impact of overeating, and specifically the consumption of meat.

Home Energy Brief: Kitchen Appliances

Great article on the energy use of kitchen appliances. Includes trends over time and comparisons between variations of appliances.

Eco-Landscaping Tips

Environmentally friendly ways to reduce yard maintenance, costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

50 Ways to Help the Planet

A good list of simple ideas to make a difference.

All related links