Offsetting Your Carbon Emissions

You don’t have to own a hybrid to be interested in protecting the earth from dangerous greenhouse gases. Everyone doesn’t have the same lifestyle, so the same things won’t fit in to all of our lives. Some people find it most convenient to partake in carbon offset programs. If you’ve ever wanted to try it, here’s what you need to know.

Programs like MyClimate offer carbon offset services that allow users to calculate their personal carbon emissions – based on automotive transportation, flights, or even office energy consumption – and then neutralize their impact on climate change by purchasing credits toward certified eco-friendly programs. The money that you donate goes to local communities or businesses to help fund more environmentally-friendly development options. Similar sites, like Carbon Fund, Native Energy, and Terra Pass, donate to projects that are third-party certified.

Many regional electric companies are now offering “green certificates” that are available for consumer purchase and work toward developing renewable energy. Check with your electric/gas service to see whether or not they offer similar solutions. If not, plead your case for a consumer program.

 

By taking action now, your donations have more impact than they will later. If you don’t have the cash to give, go outside and plant a tree.

 

To continue reading about carbon offsets, click here.