As organic materials break down in landfills, they release a hazardous substance known as methane. This greenhouse gas is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide, meaning it is significantly more effective at trapping heat, exacerbating the ongoing climate crisis. To make matters worse, Canadian landfills account for 24% of our country’s methane emissions.

Fortunately, we can cut down our emissions through composting. Composting is a sustainable alternative for food disposal that;

• Prevents the release of methane.
• Improve soil quality and fertility, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. 
• Recycles essential nutrients back into the soil.

Despite these benefits, 11 million tonnes of food produced in Canada still become food waste. If this waste is composted, it ensures that all resources (water, energy, land, etc.) that go into food production are not lost. So why aren’t more people composting? 

Besides the common excuses for environmental inaction, many people are discouraged from composting because they do not know what can/cannot be composted, they fear that it may release odours, or that it could attract pests. 

The good news is that composting doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Below are 5 tips to help ease your composting journey.