By: George C. Keefe

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​“If all the greedy polluters can band together to protect their interests, then honest environmentalists must do the same. It's as simple as that.”
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Every day, beneath our feet, a silent crisis is unfolding.

Our landfills are not just unsightly mountains of waste – they're actively releasing toxic cocktails of gases and leachate that threaten our communities, waterways, and the very air we breathe.

In this episode I point out the good news that we're not powerless in this fight, and innovative solutions are already making a difference.

The scale of landfill pollution is staggering.

Each year, U.S. landfills release approximately 114.5 million metric tons of methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

But methane isn't the only concern.

These waste sites produce complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulfide, and other harmful chemicals that can contaminate groundwater and create serious health risks for nearby communities.

When rainwater filters through waste, it creates leachate – a toxic soup that can contain heavy metals, dangerous chemicals, and biological contaminants.

This hazardous liquid can seep into soil and groundwater, potentially contaminating drinking water sources and damaging local ecosystems.

The impact on wildlife and human health can be severe, ranging from respiratory issues to more serious long-term health conditions.

But there's hope on the horizon. Communities and industries are taking decisive action to address these challenges through innovative approaches:

1. Advanced Waste Management

- Implementing better sorting and recycling programs

- Using modern landfill gas collection systems

- Installing enhanced leachate collection and treatment systems

2. Community Action

- Supporting recycling initiatives

- Composting organic waste

- Reducing overall waste production

- Advocating for stricter environmental regulations

One particularly promising solution lies in the realm of the right eco-friendly protective coatings.

These innovative green coatings are revolutionizing how we contain and manage properties and building materials so they don’t end up in landfills.

Looking at one small aspect of building waste is roofing and one small section of that is asphalt shingles.

Turns out that is not so small.

Landfill accumulation in the US of asphalt shingles alone is 11 to 13 million tons, where they take approximately 300 years to break down.

These alone are overwhelming waste dumps.

The annual conversion of 13 million tons of shingles amounts to over 28 billion pounds per year or { 76,712,328 Pounds Per Day.}

The daily accumulation of 77 million pounds of asphalt shingle roofing waste highlights the magnitude of the problem.

These dense shingles cause a serious leeching hazard and can release harmful chemicals, potentially contaminating groundwater supplies with carcinogens.

This is an alarming figure that takes a huge environmental toll of unnecessarily generating astonishing amounts of waste.

Unlike traditional materials, the right green coatings ENCASEMENT can restore these roofs, avoiding tear off and replacement while keeping them out of landfills.

Green Coatings ENCASEMENT are water-based, non-toxic, biodegradable, with Zero VOC’s (volatile organic content), Class-A Fire rated and come with 20-year guaranteed, renewable service cycles.

They create long-lasting protection that keeps most building parts in place and out of landfills.

These same environmentally conscious coating solutions are protecting buildings, infrastructure, and industrial facilities while contributing to our broader climate goals.

By choosing green coatings ENCASEMENT over conventional alternatives, we're:

- Reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions

- Minimizing environmental impact during production and application

- Creating longer-lasting protection that requires less maintenance

- Supporting the circular economy through sustainable manufacturing and restoration over removal and replacement

The connection between landfill emissions and climate change is direct and concerning.

However, by embracing green technologies like the right long-lasting eco-friendly coatings, we're taking meaningful steps toward both immediate protection and long-term climate restoration.

These solutions represent a crucial part of our toolkit for building a more sustainable future.

To Sum IT Up:

As we face the growing challenges of climate change, every action counts.

By supporting the development and implementation of green technologies, reducing waste, and choosing the right eco-friendly products, we're not just protecting our immediate environment – we're investing in the future of our planet.

The transition to sustainable solutions like green coatings isn't just an environmental choice; it's a commitment to protecting public health, preserving natural resources, and creating a more resilient world for future generations.

Together, we can transform our approach to waste management and environmental protection, one sustainable solution at a time.

The technology exists – now it's up to us to embrace it and make the changes our planet desperately needs.

"Technology is nothing. What's important is that you have a faith in people, that they're basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they'll do wonderful things with them." - Steve Jobs - American Businessman, Inventor, Investor & Co-Founder of Apple Inc.

​What are your questions?

We are always here to help and excited to answer them.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Contact us at +1 (800) 266-3982 , or send us an email at service@encasement.com and leave a comment below.

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