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pounds of CO₂e
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Biodegradable materials can decompose in two different ways, yielding two different results
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Biodegradable materials can be used as nutrients if they decompose in the right settings
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When they’re in landfills, biodegradable materials can negatively impact the environment
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The only way to dispose of biodegradable materials is in a landfill
Organic waste can biodegrade in one of two ways, and its impact can depend on where that occurs, like a landfill or a composter.
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Oxygen allows biodegradables to break down and become valuable nutrients for living things
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In landfills, air can’t reach the buried waste, so it breaks down anaerobically
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Anaerobic (“without air”) decomposition releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas
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All of the above
Composting isn’t the only way biodegradables can break down aerobically, but it does ensure that the waste has value.
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In amounts that are environmentally balanced, it is useful and necessary for life on earth
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Methane is naturally occurring, but it has a more intense greenhouse effect
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Both of these statements are true
The byproducts matter, and they’re important to understand, but let’s also take a look at the impact of end-uses.
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Neither of these statements are true
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Emits methane, which is a much more potent greenhouse gas than CO2
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Wasted opportunity to create an alternative resource, like compost
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Takes up space in landfills, layers below the soil
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All of the above
As you can see, keeping food waste out of landfills allows these biodegradable materials to decompose in a more beneficial way.
A SIMPLE LAW OF SCIENCE
Matter cannot be created or destroyed. It’s a scientific fact. When it comes to biodegradable organic waste (like food and yard waste), it’s got to go somewhere in order to break down some way. Since there’s no such thing as sending it away for good, it’s important to send it away for the better.
