How do I best offset my carbon useage (without potentially being ripped-off)?

Question

Any recommendations as to how to be more carbon neutral? I've noticed a few schemes to offset your useage by paying into re-forestation projects - are they as efficient/trustworthy as they seem?

Answer 1

http://www.carbonneutral.com/

This site, although British-based, has lots of ideas and detailed information about specific projects you can contribute to by buying credits to offset particular activities. Brits are pretty straightforward about the need for action on climate change (unlike almost anyone around here), and although it's not like I can drive across the ocean and check it out on the ground, it does have reasonably fact-checkable information. So if you feel concerned about contributing to any of the projects, a little research (googling the name for media references, possibly) on any given project would probably reassure you.

Lots of luck and good for you for trying to live in a more carbon-neutral way!

P.S. Some other tips on carbon neutrality are to buy compact fluorescent lightbulbs, only use Energy Star appliances, drive a fuel-efficient or hybrid car, drive and fly less (shorter commute if you are deciding where to move, combining errands to make fewer trips, carpooling, riding a bike or taking public transit), recycle and buy recycled products; call your energy company and ask if they use renewable energy and if not, ask why not; plant trees, get involved in or contribute to local environmental groups- and don't be overwhelmed by what you aren't doing or guilty about living your life. Just do what you can.

Answer 2

Wow that's a deep question. Do you actually understand what it would take to be "carbon neutral" ? First of all you could not produce less CO2 than you are because just by breathing you are producing it. I suppose you could breathe into a balloon to capture the CO2 and compress it. The CO2 would be contained and not released. Now if you could do that on a larger scale- Let's see : Cover your lawn at night w/ plastic to seal off the CO2 it produces (Plants use O2 at night because there is no sun light) and segregate the CO2 and compress and store it so it does not enter the atmosphere. If you study other s ways CO2 is created, you could come up w/ ways to capture it so it won't escape into the atmosphere. Eating less food that has carbon it. Switch to a Silica based food so SiO2 is produced when you eat rather than CO2.
I really don't think you can have any impact. Your pollution is just adding to the mess. I hope you would read more and study up on economy of size. Ask yourself, How many tablespoonfuls would it take to raise Lake Erie ? Then I think you'll understand what you have in mind is fruitless. Even if ten million people were "Carbon Neutral" there is no impact on the world's climatic system. So enjoy the day God gives us and take it as it comes. If you feel you have to do something to lessen your guilt, drink less soda, champagne, beer or any carbonated beverages.

Answer 3

Here's the best clue...the moment somebody tells you that a particularly activity will reduce your carbon footprint, you are being scammed.

Just live your life to be *economically* frugal. The great thing about ecology is that things which save you money, also tend to reduce any impact you might have on the environment. Unless you are a corporation, spending additional money to save the planet is ridiculous, unless you are donating it to one of the few worthwhile environmental organizations. And I'm not talking about the Sierra Club (they waste a tremendous amount of money on frivolous lawsuits)...I'm thinking more like The Nature Conservancy.

By the way, a healthy forest has a zero carbon dioxide balance...it uses the same amount that it emits. (And, yes, forests do emit carbon dioxide...and the world's oxygen supply comes not from trees, but from plankton in the ocean.) I don't see how investing in re-forestation will reduce your carbon footprint in the least. But, hey, I like trees...so if it feels good, go for it.

If you own urban property, the best thing would be to plant your trees there...as that would help reduce the urban heat island effect and also help shade your house and possibly reduce your heating/cooling bills.

Answer 4

First off use recycled paper for everything you do... even wrapping paper! Waste not, want not!

Second... all logging operations MUST replant what is cut down when the operation is over. So don't donate to a cause like that... all they're looking for is to use your humanity against you for a profit to them. The eco groups... have you ever seen some of the salaries those groups have in their ranks? Please!

Purchase trees through the National Arbor Day Foundation for a pretty cheap price and start planting! If you really want to do something for free... go into the woods and snag a small tree growing from the seed of it's parent and plant it elsewhere. Most seedlings don't make it in the "wild" due to lack of sun light and competition from undergrowth.

Answer 5

it is not called guilt removing, it incredibly is called social justice. Underdeveloped international locations sell what they not at all produced to international locations that advance and thrive. those comparable international locations are hit toughest via international warming, i think by way of fact they have not at all equipped any infrastructure or they spend help money on weapons and killing one yet another. in spite of the incontrovertible fact that it is not there fault, it incredibly is industrialization and capitalism that has destroyed the planet and reparations must be paid. Bob, i comprehend it relatively is a annoying theory to warp you're head around yet, CO2 isn't a pollutant.

Answer 6

I really hope so, my boyfriend and I do quite a bit of travelling and are suffering from great guilt. Thanks for asking this question, I will be most interested in the answers. (sorry, I know this isn't really an answer!)

*later* had a look online and this website has some good info - but I don't know how trustworthy it is
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/carbon_offset.html

Answer 7

1. Don't buy pencils.
2. Don't buy shoes with rubber soles.
3. Don't buy carbonated drinks.
4. Don't buy any item made of plastic.
4. In general don't buy just about anything!

Answer 8

Plant a tree or keep a healthy lawn growing, then walk a lot.

Answer 9

Goodness... If you have extra cash give it to a worthwhile charity..Don't buy into the myth that all the Eco freaks try to sell you..