Although at EcoYourself.com we would prefer that everyone take the necessary steps to lower their carbon footprint with physical changes in one’s lifestyle, we understand that there are some activities we just can’t avoid. A great way to offset the greenhouse gases that we release through our homes, when flying, and when driving, is by donating to a carbon offsetting company/non-profit. A carbon offsetting organization will use your payment to support various programs that promote renewable resources or reforestation.
There are hundreds of carbon offset providers out there, and we want to help you find reliable companies and non-profits. For those that would like to conduct some research, a great site is CarbonCatalog.org. CarbonCatalog.org will provide you with ratings, cost per 1,000 lbs of CO2, location and type of organization (company or non-profit), and a brief bio. You will notice that prices vary greatly per 1,000 lbs of CO2 from company to company. We have found costs as cheap as $5.95/1000 lbs of CO2 to as expensive as $30/1000 lbs of CO2 in the U.S, and projects ranging from promoting renewable energy sources to reforestation. Below is a summary of our favorites.
CarbonFund.org (U.S.) is one of the most user-friendly carbon offsetting websites, and it requires the lowest cost for 1,000 lbs of CO2 emissions. Their projects include renewable resources, energy efficiency, and reforestation. The customer gets to choose which project(s) their carbon offsets should go to. In return, CarbonFund.org will send you an E-certificate. You can also add an additional carbon-free donation that is tax deductible.
TerraPass.com (U.S.) is more expensive per 1,000 lbs of CO2 emissions. Their projects include farm power, landfill gas capture, and wind energy. They will send you bumper stickers, luggage tags, and kitchen magnets in return. TerraPass.com also has a store for the purchase of energy saving gadgets, solar chargers and batteries, toys and games, and books. You can even offset a wedding or large event, and send gift certificates!
planetair.ca (Canada) uses Gold Standard carbon offsets and myclimate projects (hydropower, wind energy, efficient cook stoves, wastewater power, and biomass) in developing countries. Planetair.ca provides options for monthly payments and gifts. Planetair.ca will also provide assistance and a carbon offsetting certificate and logo for weddings and events that offset their carbon emissions.
Go to these sites and calculate your footprint (with data from your household, car, and flying usage) or select a pre-made package! Create a zero-footprint for yourself. With lifestyle changes, and an offsetting program, you can make it to zero.
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