Green Your 2010: Commit to Composting

Whether you call them resolutions, goals, or lifestyle changes, there are measures you can take to make 2010 easier on the planet. This week we’re pointing out several of those actions, plus providing the numbers to back them up.

Tip #3: Restrain Methane

We hear people preach about recycling all the time. But did you know that composting may be as important? As food and other organic waste decomposes anaerobically in the landfill, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas that's more than 20 times as potent as carbon dioxide. Because composting is an aerobic process, it only produces carbon dioxide and not methane. Not sure how to get started? Click here and here to find out.

Yearly Impact: If the average family composted regularly, that household would prevent about 30 pounds of methane emissions per year, the equivalent of around 620 pounds of carbon dioxide (the same as what a small diesel car driving 1,200 miles would emit).

Tell us: What are your composting plans for the new year?