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GOING GREEN BLOG
BLOG ARCHIVES
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| Understanding Carbon Offsets |
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We all use electricity and burn fossil fuels in our daily lives. Carbon offsets allow you to reduce or neutralize your emissions by purchasing investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects. In theory, your household can become carbon neutral if you offset as much carbon as you produce. |
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Getting started with Carbon Offsets
Step 1 - Calculate your carbon footprint:
Step 2 -Decide what method you would like to use to offset your emissions:
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Reforestation - Forests play an essential role in the natural carbon cycle by absorbing CO2 that would otherwise exacerbate global climate change. |
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Use Renewable Energy - Burning fossil fuels is the main contributor to global climate change. Using renewable energy eliminates the need to burn fossel fuels. |
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Improve Energy Efficiency - Since energy use is part of our lives, investing in more efficient ways to use energy will help alleviate greenhouse gas emissions. |
Step 3 - Select a reputable carbon offset provider. WhatsMyCO2.com provides a list of organizations that provide verifications of their investments to ensure transparency and accountability.
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Example: Terrapass, a carbon offset provider, is audited by the non-profit Center for Resource Solutions. The Center for Resource Solutions is the creator of the Green-e program and the country's leading authority on renewable energy certification. |
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As carbon offsetting has become more popular, providers of offsets have become prolific. For a review of providers, types of offsets and prices, check out the Carbon Offset Providers Spreadsheet. |
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