Carbon Offsets
from EathTrends : Offsets Alone Are Not Enough
The retail carbon offset market is growing rapidly as explained in A Consumers Guide to Retail Carbon Offset Providers. Along with the Tufts Climate Initiative report, this publication is one of the first methodological attempts to provide the public with accurate information concerning retail carbon offsets and the companies that provide them. The authors estimate that for less than $100 a year, most Americans can offset their personal GHG footprint. However, it stresses that consumers should first reduce their carbon emissions by driving less, using smaller vehicles, buying energy efficient appliances and using less electricity. They suggest that if a consumer purchases carbon offset services, they should do so in combination with reducing overall energy use. The surest way to reduce your impact on the climate is to reduce emissions yourself.
