The personal story of every Melissa city resident, like me, is filled with suffering due to the unfortunate location of the landfill dumpyard. The toxic gases that emanate from it have become part of our daily life. Yet, we cannot afford the health, environmental, or social costs that come with it any longer.

Research reveals that the waste in landfills can produce harmful gases like methane and carbon dioxide. According to Environmental Protection Agency, methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is over 23 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide (Environmental Protection Agency, US). These gases, which we are forced to encounter daily, do not only smell awful, but they can also cause serious health problems such as nausea, headaches, and potential damage to the lungs, especially amongst vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

We believe that Melissa City deserves to live free of these pollutant burdens. Therefore, we are petitioning the local authorities to relocate the landfill site away from our homes, from our lives. I invite every concerned Melissa resident and people around the world to raise their voice with ours and fight for the right to breathe clean air. Please sign this petition and make our plea heard.