no organic matter (trees, plants, waste) on our planet degrades due to the environment, it is due to bacteria. On a larger scale things like insects, worms, all the way up to a vulcher help degrade this organic matter too. So basically speaking, these worms are helping turn the stuff we shit out into plants and trees. If it wasnt for bacteria, worms, etc. plants would grow and remain there for ever, and our waste would continually build up until there is nothing but waste remaining. So although the Jehovas may give you some bullshit, everything on the earth has a purpose/function no matter how obscure that purpose may be. Agwan.