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Brad Pitt does it; so does Cameron Diaz and
Leonardo DiCaprio, why can't we?
What do they do?
They offset Global Warming by sponsoring Carbon Offsets.
Carbon
Offset? What is that, you ask?
Well, every time you
drive a car, fly in a plane or turn up the heat on your furnace, you're adding to global warming. In fact,
every year the typical American generrates a whopping ten tons of Carbon
Dioxide (CO2), the main greenhouse gas. Altogether, those individual uses
add up to 40% of American
emissions!
Pretty crazy,
huh? Well, now there's something you can do to help save the planet,
aside from wearing red tights, a
cape and a big letter "S" on your shirt. You can"offset"
or cancel out, your carbon emissions.
Here's how it works:
Through a non-profit
group, you buy the same emission reduction credits that businesses buy and sell in the
international carbon market.
These credits are
generated by groups and companies involved in reforestation, energy efficiency and alternative
energy projects that keep carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
For example, someone
may plant trees on your behalf to absorb all the carbon dioxide that your driving, flying and
other activities emit.
"The idea is
already catching on internationally," claims Jim Motavalli, editor of The
Environmental Magazine. "The famous 'coals to Newcastle' city of
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, for example, is taking steps to become the first carbon neutral
town."
There are several
variations of this idea, some of which allow you to be an investor in carbon offsets, rather
than a charitable donor. Here a few of the many good examples, according to Motavalli:
-
Carbon
Offsets-Determine your personal CO2 emissions by calculating home and office
energy and vehicle use. To become "Kyoto compliant" you'll need to offset
your CO2 down to 6% below averate 1990 levels (average price, $33; students
$22.50). Offsets are available for both individuals and families. (www.carbonfund.org
)
-
Carbon
Investments-You can help provide renewable power in the developing world and
make a modest profit too (I am not giving any investment advice here, just sharing
information for you to make your own decisions!). E+Co manages investments
of $25,000 or more to fund the work of energy entrepreneurs. It also accepts
donations in smaller amounts. (www.energyhouse.com
)
-
Green Tags-Some clean energy organizations offer
offsets in partnership with local electric companies. Green tags pay for the
slightly higher cost of generating solar, wind or biomass energy. Check with the
national suppliers in your area or ask your electric company if it has a green power
program. (www.newwindenergy.com www.greentagsusa.org
)
-
Travel
Lightly-Climate Care can help you figure out your per-trip flight
from one place to another. For example, a round trip to Argentina from New York's
JFK Airport, you'll generate 2.39 tons of CO2, which can be offset for $27.19.
Sustainable Travel International, which is aimed at eco-tourists and busiess
travelers, offers a similar service. The money it generates supports, among others,
a biomass energy project in India, a wastewater/energy enterprise in South Africa and
solar energy in Costa Rica. (www.betterworldclub.org
www.sustainabletravelinternational.org
)
-
With Carbon
Offsetting we all can be super heros from time to time.
Up, Up and
Away...
Enjoy the
Week!
Beth Aldrich
Pass us on to a
friend.
We welcome your story or ideas
for a future FHI Connection!
