Garbage that ends up in a landfill contributes to greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse gases trap the sun's rays within the Earth's atmosphere and are considered one of the main culprits behind global warming. Humans contribute to the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases -- notably carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide -- through deforestation, agriculture, energy production and waste disposal (see References 1). Several things used everyday in your home produce gases like these that contribute to global warming.
HVAC System
Heating and cooling your home uses energy in the form of electricity or natural gas. Much of the electricity in the United States is produced by burning coal or oil, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere (see References 2). Your air conditioner also contains refrigerants that, if allowed to escape into the atmosphere, contribute heavily to global warming and may additionally deplete the ozone layer, depending on the age of the unit (see References 3).
Appliances
Like your HVAC system, appliances in your home use electricity that causes greenhouse gas emissions. Some appliances like refrigerators and freezers also use refrigerants. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends replacing old appliances with Energy Star-qualified models to save electricity and reduce greenhouse emissions (see References 2). Using existing appliances and other electronic devices more efficiently can also help lower electricity and natural gas consumption in a household (see References 4).
Lights
Lights contribute to a significant percentage of electricity use in your house. Replacing the incandescent light bulbs in your five most frequently used light fixtures with energy-efficient CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) can significantly reduce home electricity use and save you money while simultaneously making a positive impact on climate change. If every household in the United States exchanged five light bulbs for CFLs, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as removing 10 million cars from the roads (see References 2).
Garbage
When household garbage ends up in a landfill, it decomposes, producing greenhouse gases including methane (see References 1). Sorting your trash and reducing overall garbage production in your home can cut the volume of waste that your family contributes to landfills. Reuse and recycle all appropriate materials -- recycling reduces overall energy use to produce goods (see References 2). Composting organic waste sequesters nitrogen in a useful form instead of allowing it to escape into the atmosphere as methane (see References 5).
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