Impact of Waste Transit to Landfills on LEED Green Associate Certification in the United States
Landfills, a common solution for waste disposal, are one of the largest anthropogenic sources of methane emissions in the United States. This potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential 28 times higher than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period, is released into the atmosphere when organic materials like food waste, paper, and yard trimmings break down in the oxygen-deprived environment of a landfill.
The process of transporting waste to landfills can also have several negative impacts on the environment. The fuel consumption and emissions from trucks transporting waste contribute to air pollution, while the disturbance of soil can lead to erosion and potential contamination of groundwater.
Landfilling waste has significant negative impacts on the environment. Solid waste in landfills undergoes anaerobic decomposition, resulting in the production of methane. This methane, if not captured and managed, can contribute to climate change. Moreover, the decomposition process can release other harmful substances, such as leachate, which can contaminate nearby water sources.
However, it's important to note that increased pre-consumer recycled content can reduce the need for virgin materials and divert waste from landfills. While it is not a negative environmental outcome of landfilling itself, it does contribute to a reduction in the overall environmental impact. Conversely, decreased post-consumer recycled content is not a direct impact of landfilling.
Incineration of methane captured from landfills still results in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). While this method can help manage methane emissions, it's not a complete solution to the environmental challenges posed by landfills.
In conclusion, the management of waste, particularly landfilling, plays a significant role in the production of greenhouse gases and the overall health of our environment. Recycling, both pre- and post-consumer, can help mitigate these impacts, but it's essential to continue exploring and implementing more sustainable waste management solutions.
