Explain two positive environmental impacts of composting.

Answer:

Student answers will vary. Possible answers may include discussion of the retention of valuable nutrients, such as nitrogen, in the immediate area of the waste’s production. Composting also prevents organic material from going into landfills where it can decompose anaerobically producing the greenhouse gas methane. Composting also helps break down brown waste, such as paper, cardboard and dead plant material, and return it into the carbon cycle.