How does food waste generate methane?
In India, a person wastes around 137 gm. of food each day. This equates to 0.96 kilogrammes every week or 50 kilogrammes per year. Thus, 40% of food is thrown away, amounting to Rs. 92,000 crores each year.All inputs required in producing, processing, transporting, preparing and storing discarded food are also wasted when food is thrown. With its GHG footprint, loss of food and waste leads to the climate change challenge. The food that ends up in landfills emits methane, an even more potent greenhouse gas.
You might wonder how!
Food waste produces methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more strong than carbon dioxide. In fact, if global food waste were a country, it would rank third in the world in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.But that's not all! We waste all of the land, water, energy and other resources when we throw food away, threatening biodiversity – the diversity of life on Earth – and degrading our environment.
Before moving on, let me tell you a bit about methane!
Methane is a gas with one carbon atom surrounded by four hydrogen atoms in each molecule. It is a potent greenhouse (GHG) gas. It is used as a fuel all over the world due to its combustible qualities. It's a key ingredient in natural gas and a powerful heat absorber.
What causes methane to be a problem?
Methane with its heat conducting and insulating qualities, stores heat rather than releasing it, raising the earth's natural temperature.
Methane and Food waste crisis
Apart from agriculture, food waste in landfills is one of the most significant sources of methane discharged into the atmosphere. Over 1/3rd of all the food produced in our world is thrown away.
Food begins to decay as soon as it reaches landfills. As a result of that journey, methane is spewed into the atmosphere in large quantities by landfills all over the world. According to EPA, the anaerobic conditions essential for the creation and release of methane are established in less than a year after MSW is dumped. Bacteria that produce methane begin to breakdown the waste and lead to the increase in GHGs.
How can you lower your methane emissions?
While methane emissions are largely a structural issue that must be addressed by major governments around the world, individuals can make a difference.
1: Encourage the use of renewable energy
Because fossil fuels are a major source of methane, using and supporting renewable energy can have a significant positive impact. To lower your emissions, switch to a renewable energy source or use less gas and electricity in your home.
2: Purchase fewer items and waste less resources
Did you know that poor planning and overbuying are two of the leading causes of food waste? When people buy too much food at the store, it frequently ends up in our already overburdened landfills.
3: Recycle Food Waste
Why not recycle your food waste to further reduce your methane emissions? Netsol’s Food Waste Recycler is a composting alternative that allows you to dispose of food leftovers securely from the convenience of your own home. It emits no unpleasant odours, blends in smoothly with your surroundings and even produces organic debris that may be used to fertilize your plants.
Conclusion
Methane may appear to be a difficult topic, but the science behind it is actually rather straightforward. When it comes to combating climate change, we all need to be more aware of the situation. Continue to educate yourself, reduce your influence and make a difference to rescue our planet.
Where can you find the best Food Waste Recycler?
Netsol Water, based in Greater Noida, India, provides the best version of Food Waste Recyclers. The Food Waste Recycler dries, cuts and compresses food waste in a similar fashion to electronic composting, reducing methane emissions and completely removing odour.
If you'd like to learn more about how a Food Recycler might help you transform commercial waste, call on +91-9650608473 or send an email to enquiry@netsolwater.com.
