The Benefits of Composting: How Going Green Can Save You Money and Reduce Waste

Our carbon footprint has become a massive hazard to the ecological health of today's modern world. According to the Nature Conservancy (TNC), the average carbon footprint for a person living in the U.S. is 16 tons, roughly the equivalent to the weight of a small car, making it one of the highest rates globally which contributes significantly to the global average carbon footprint, which is closer to 4 tons.

According to global warming experts at TNC, this number needs to drop to under 2 tons, where it is to be expected there would be a 2°c rise in global temperatures.

One of the most effective ways to help address this issue is to divert and process the organic waste that comes from our homes through composting. Even if you're not specifically aiming to lower your carbon footprint, composting is a simple, natural, regenerative process that works for everybody to enable a healthier planet.

What Is Composting?

In simple terms, composting is the process of collecting and combining organic food waste, such as eggshells, fruit peelings, etc., with waste from nature, such as dead leaves/plants.

Both waste categories are mixed to decompose together and form a composition used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for plants.

Many people assume that composting generally involves waste reduction. It does not! Composting goes beyond such motives. As you are composting, you are not only redirecting and diverting waste but also repurposing it.

How Is Composting Beneficial?

Composting generally offers significant advantages for the environment. When organic matter is sent to landfill, it creates methane/greenhouse gas emissions.  When this organic matter is diverted, it reduces the amount of organic waste sent to landfills and decreases the amount of methane/greenhouse gas emissions emitted into our atmosphere while providing a cost-effective alternative to chemical fertilizers.

On a more personal level, it can benefit you directly because it is a convenient and efficient way of recycling and repurposing organic waste. You don't need to use a lot of resources and energy to make compost. All you need to get is a sufficient amount of food waste added with a sufficient amount of brown waste, combined with plenty of air and water, then wait for it to decompose.

Here, we'll take a closer look at how the benefits of composting extend from saving the planet to saving your wallet.

Fuel and Energy Conservation

Imagine how our carbon footprint would be massively reduced if everyone composted instead of their leftovers and scraps going into the landfills.

Composting is the most efficient way to properly manage organic waste. According to National Geographic, about 30% - 70% of organic waste, if not recycled, is dumped in the ocean or in landfills. By properly diverting organic waste, you are reducing the percentage of food waste that ends up in landfills.

By composting, you also help reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses that are harmful to the atmosphere. These gasses, such as methane, are emitted when waste in landfills decomposes without oxygen. These greenhouse gasses negatively contribute to climate change by trapping heat inside our atmosphere, which affects the ozone layer. When you compost, you promote aerobic decomposition, allowing scraps to break down with the help of oxygen, which is safer for the environment.

Saves and Conserves Water

In your garden, compost serves as a dual agent in conserving water. It first functions as a sponge, holding and storing rainfall. It gradually releases the water being held into the soil for plants and trees in your garden, which lessens the need for regular watering and lowers consumption and your water bill.

Compost, however, takes this a step further. It enhances the structure of the soil, making it easier for water to seep into the ground, reducing run-off, and assisting the water in getting to where it needs to go.

This provides your plants with greater access to the water thanks to this increased natural infiltration system, which also facilitates a more effective water movement in the soil.

Composting not only benefits both your garden and your water cost. It lowers the amount of water you need overall.

Prevents Erosion

Are you aware that, according to World Hunger News, in the past 40 years, erosion has caused us to lose one-third of the planet's arable land? Flooding is the main cause of erosion.

One cause of this is completely impervious surfaces, such as the parking lots in public areas, that do not allow water to be absorbed into the soil. Such structures enhance water flow, causing soil to be washed up rapidly in the process.

The best way to solve this is by using compost, which functions like a sponge and aids in the retention of water during periods of intense rain. As rainfall remains where it falls, more water seeps into the earth and the topsoil in that area remains precisely where it should be.

Reducing Expenses

Composting helps to reduce expenses in several ways. It creates a natural, nutrient-rich compost created from yard waste and recycled food scraps, which will help you cut costs on topsoil and fertilizer purchases.

You can save up to $100 a year for each cubic yard of soil you save in this manner. Without having to pay for pricey landscaping professionals or harsh chemicals, natural compost can help you keep your yard healthy.

Compost also helps to prolong soil moisture, which reduces the need to water your plants constantly and eventually cuts down your water bill. If you enjoy growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, composting will boost crop productivity and decrease grocery expenditures while producing healthier, fresher, and tastier food.

Participate in the Green Revolution

Composting is a simple and efficient way of enhancing the soil, cutting down on waste production, and saving money. In addition to these benefits, it helps you live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Just think of the potential consequences for the world if millions of people start composting. We may change our perspective on waste and plan our actions to align with the natural cycles of harmony.

References

Little-known benefits of composting. (n.d.). Compost Research and Education Foundation. https://www.compostfoundation.org/News/Article/261

Cathey, P. A. A. A. (2019, September 19). Trash to Treasure: The incredible benefits of composting. Copyright 2022 the Regents of the University of Michigan. https://sph.umich.edu/pursuit/2019posts/benefits-of-composting.html

Gibbens, S. (2023, January 17). Why your recycling doesn't always get recycled. Environment. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/why-recycling-plastic-doesnt-always-get-recycled

What is your carbon footprint? (n.d.). The Nature Conservancy. https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator/