Say Goodbye to Landfill Waste: Illinois Takes Action Against Greenhouse Gas Emissions
As fall transitions into winter and Halloween decorations are replaced with Thanksgiving themes, thousands of ornamental pumpkins often find their way to landfills. However, this annual occurrence in Illinois is beginning to change as concerned citizens take action to combat greenhouse gas emissions.
The discarded pumpkins, devoid of oxygen, contribute to the release of methane gas as they decompose, which becomes problematic as methane is a potent greenhouse gas, more than 25 times as powerful as carbon dioxide in trapping heat. The consequences of this waste are significant, as landfills alone account for 15% of all methane emissions in the United States, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, many Illinoisans have decided to tackle this issue in a hands-on manner. Every weekend following Halloween, hundreds of people gather at various locations across the state to participate in pumpkin smashing events. Enthusiastic participants can opt to toss their pumpkins into trailers or, for those seeking a more cathartic experience, use baseball bats, sledgehammers, or golf clubs to smash their discarded jack-o’-lanterns.
Once thoroughly squashed, these pumpkins are transported to processing centers where they undergo a composting process in an oxygen-rich environment. Jennifer Olson, the director of guest and community engagement at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, explains, Composting avoids the production of greenhouse gases because it involves a completely different chemical process compared to decomposition in a landfill.
The end result of this environmentally conscious initiative is high-quality compost, rich in mineral nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. This compost can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil health and maximize its potential for nurturing plants.
Kay McKeen, the founder and executive director of SCARCE (School and Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education), is an advocate for these pumpkin smashing events. She highlights the significance of taking action, stating, There are many problems we may not be able to solve, but this is one issue where we can make a difference and have fun while doing so.
SCARCE, an Addison-based environmental education nonprofit, has been organizing and promoting pumpkin smash events in Illinois since 2014. Through their efforts, over 1,000 tons of pumpkins have been composted, resulting in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to nearly 752 tons of carbon dioxide. Additionally, more than 217,286 gallons of water have been diverted from landfills.
This year, the enthusiasm for pumpkin smashing has spread beyond Illinois. On a recent Saturday, over 90 sites registered with SCARCE hosted pumpkin smash events in Chicago, its suburbs, as well as locations in New York, Michigan, and Indiana.
As residents take part in this hands-on approach to combatting greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of their actions is evident. By diverting pumpkins from landfills and turning them into compost, Illinoisans are not only reducing methane emissions but also improving soil health. This simple yet effective initiative serves as an example of how individual and community efforts can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
In conclusion, the pumpkin smashing events in Illinois are making a significant impact by addressing the issue of landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions. With each squashed pumpkin, residents are choosing to be part of the solution and turning an annual waste problem into an opportunity for positive change.
By Jennifer Johnson
