365 Ways to Save the Planet

Day 303 – I have written about greenhouse gases in past posts and discussed their connection to global warming. More times than not we tend to focus on the carbon emissions that contribute to greenhouse gases. However, methane gases is 25 more times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere.

“Typically, methane remains in the atmosphere for about nine years. This is far less time than carbon emissions, which remain in the atmosphere for 300 to 1,000 years. Yet, methane is far more efficient at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.” – Earth911

Earth911 gives tips on how we can all reduce our methane emissions.

1. Agriculture – Reduction strategies include preventing the burning of fields after harvests, adjusting feed for livestock so that they release less methane, and regularly draining rice paddies.
2. Energy – Improving the detection and repair of methane leaks at oil and gas facilities and flooding abandoned coal mines that leak the gas. Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and switching over to renewable energy can help reduce methane emissions. 
3. Waste – Mitigation strategies include reducing waste that ends up in landfills, such as by recycling and composting; capturing methane gas; and burning methane gas, which is known as flaring. Composting as much of our organic waste from the yard and kitchen as possible helps reduce our methane emissions.

Something we can all do, is support Certified B Corporations. These companies meet rigorous environmental and social criteria and are leaders in the sustainable business field.

Tomorrow, where you can get your Halloween pumpkin composted and keep it out of the landfill.