Lately the subject of carbon offsets has been coming up more and more and I thought today would be as good a time as any to go into some detail as to exactly what they are. First of all let’s get our definition down. Carbon offsetting is “the act of mitigating ("offsetting") greenhouse gas emissions. A well-known example is the purchasing of offsets to compensate for the greenhouse gas emissions from personal air travel. The idea of paying for emission reductions elsewhere instead of reducing one’s own emissions is known from the closely related concept of emissions trading. However, in contrast to emissions trading, which is regulated by a strict formal and legal framework, carbon offsets generally refer to voluntary acts by individuals or companies that are arranged by commercial or not-for-profit carbon-offset providers. Nonetheless some formal standards for voluntary carbon offsets are emerging.”
If you caught my post about the Green Market that will be starting in the beginning months of 2008 you are aware that for some, carbon offsets can be traded and tracked like stocks. If you’re not aware go back check it out, then come back here and catch up. With companies all around this great wide world buying, selling, and stocking up on carbon offsets you may think that this is strictly about what Big Business can do to help save the environment. That’s where Buy Green Now comes in. Buy Green Now allows individuals to purchase carbon offsets that fit their home and transportation needs. By using their Carbon Calculator you can figure up how large your carbon footprint is (how much carbon you produce annually) and then if you wish you can purchase enough offsets to equal out your lifestyle. Where does the money go exactly? Places like the Talladega National Forest where pine forests are being restored. Green Mountain Solar Museum which produces tons of solar energy everyday. The Green Mountain Energy Wind Farm where wind is being turned into electricity.
Once you’ve done your research and decided how much carbon offsetting is worth to you, share your experiences with a friend. Better yet, purchase one the gift cards from Buy Green Now and send them a note. Don’t worry. Once they have read it they can plant it in the ground and months later enjoy some fresh cilantro which is engrained into the paper.
Buy Repell-em Garbage Bags and keep the animals away!
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December 24th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
[…] to my latest discovery Buy Green Now. Buy Green Now is mainly a place for individuals to purchase carbon offsets (the act of reducing your environmental impact by paying others to do such things as planting […]