Beat Air Pollution – Starting in Your Backyard

Across the globe, 9 out of 10 people breathe polluted air, according to the United Nations (UN). Depending on the severity, toxic air pollution can cause heart problems, asthma, and other breathing related issues. Toxic emissions also contribute to global warming while contaminating your plant and water sources.

Poor air quality affects everyone, which is why Liberty Power supports simple, local solutions to complex, global problems. We are all citizens of this world and air pollution does not stop at the borders. Polluted air travels across continents, seeping into our lungs and our earth. We are all part of the problem, but we can also be part of the solution, starting with composting.

Global Problem: Air Pollution from Trash Burning Landfills

Local Solution: Compost Recycling



The average person generates 4.5 pounds of trash per day and collectively, humans generate billions of tons each year. The majority of waste is sent to landfills where 40% is burned, emitting toxic chemicals such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and ground-level ozone. The remaining trash is clogged in landfills decaying slowly and polluting the air with methane gas. Yet if households started compost recycling, estimates say each family could prevent roughly 500 pounds of toxic waste from reaching the landfills each year!

Composting is the process of separating trash between organic waste and non-renewable waste, allowing the organic waste matter to naturally decay until it creates a toxic-free fertilizer. Nearly 60% of daily trash comes from organic food scraps, yard waste, and paper, which can be composted inside or in the backyard. Composting severely reduces landfill emissions, improves soil fertility, and can provide a clean energy source. Compost recycling naturally fertilizes the earth, creating a lush lawn or garden along with clean, breathable air. In addition to environmental benefits, research indicates that composting can also save hundreds of dollars in energy and fertilizer costs.

So, where do we begin?

Check out this awesome Infographic from

Source: Blog


How to start composting at home

  1. First designate a spot for the compost collection. Most people set up compost piles outside, throwing the waste in a large tub or directly onto the ground. Others create compost inside by storing scraps in a container and later dropping the recycled waste off at a designated site.
  2. Next, begin collecting organic waste. Collect compostable waste throughout the week and toss the scraps in the designated pile. Check out the graphic above for a list of what can and cannot be composted.
  3. Aim to collect more “brown” materials than “green” materials. Fruits, vegetables and fish bones are examples of green material. Paper, lawn clippings and straw are considered “brown” material.
  4. Turn the compost pile every other week. If using an outdoor pile, take a shovel once a week and turn the pile to let it aerate. Add water to keep it moist.
  5. Keep an eye out for worrisome pests. Otherwise, sit back and let nature do the work. The compost pile will naturally decompose over several weeks, feeding the lawn with healthy nutrients.
  6. Post a #BeatAirPollution picture to your social channels. Then, tag Liberty Power and get ready to change the world!

Want to discover more tips to help reduce air pollution and save the environment starting with clean energy at home? Check out Liberty’s energy savings blog for more.





Article Credit:  Elena Schmidt

Liberty Power Editorial Team