When organic materials such as paper, food and natural fibers decompose in a landfill, they are broken down by anaerobic microbes that thrive in the oxygen-starved environment and emit methane gas during their digestion process.
· Landfill emissions are the 3rd largest source of methane in the US and a leading contributor to accelerating climate change.
· Methane is a greenhouse gas with a shorter atmospheric lifespan than CO2 but causes a global warming effect 30 times greater so its impact on the rate of warming is significant.
· Diverting organic wastes from landfills to composting or anaerobic digestion should be a priority for any individual or organization trying to reduce their climate footprint.
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