Environmental Awareness: Dangers of Burning Vegetation

Every autumn and spring, instances of burning dry leaves, grass, and branches are reported in the city.

The Odessa City Council once again reminds us that the burning of dry leaves and grass in Ukraine is strictly prohibited and can result in administrative fines or even criminal liability in some cases. This practice poses risks to health, the environment, and safety.

It is also forbidden to dispose of leaves and cut branches in trash containers or leave them next to them. 

There is a myth that burning can improve crop yields, but this is not true. 
Firstly, it destroys the microflora that is essential for important biological processes. The fertile soil can take 5-6 years to recover under these conditions. 

Secondly, the burning process releases harmful substances that are detrimental to respiratory health.

Thirdly, burning grass does NOT warm the soil, does NOT enrich it with ash, and does NOT encourage the growth of new grass.

Additionally, a small fire can escalate into a large-scale blaze, causing destruction and increasing the workload for emergency services. 

Instead, composting leaves is a civilized approach to handling organic waste and a cost-effective way to produce excellent fertilizer.