Carbon Offsetting

Carbon Offsets 

Carbon offsetting is the act of reducing ("offsetting") greenhouse gas emissions in one place to compensate for their production in another. In other words an individual pays for emission/carbon reductions elsewhere to compensate for some personal action taken. For example, when you travel by airplane somewhere the emissions generated by your action can be calculated. You can offset those emissions by purchasing carbon credits elsewhere.

It is important to note here that we are addressing carbon offsets, NOT emission offsets, which are governed by a strict legal framework. Emissions trading (see below) is an act that is legally defined and strictly regulated by various government entities. carbon offsetting is a voluntary act.

Purchasing offsets is also a good way to support the development of renewable sources of energy that have high front end costs but carry the promise of long term cumulative benefits to the environment. For example, development of a wind farm may have an initial cost that makes it uncompetitive in the current marketplace but with support from individuals purchasing offsets the cost can be voluntarily subsidized through conscientious consumerism.

Carbon Offset Resources - Be a part of the solution, offset your emmissions!

The Climate Trust - A nonprofit organization: The Climate Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit working towards a more stable climate. Their mission is to provide climate change solutions by purchasing high quality greenhouse gas (GHG) offsets from projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing sound offset policy. 

CarbonFund.org: Carbonfund.org is leading the fight against global climate change, making it easy and affordable for any individual, business or organization to eliminate their climate impact and hastening the transformation to a clean energy future.

TerraPass: TerraPass is a company with a mission to put practical tools for fighting climate change in the hands of ordinary citizens. Recognizing their success, last year Ford Motor Company chose TerraPass in a first-of-its-kind partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Now Expedia has picked TerraPass for another pioneering program dedicated to positive environmental action.