How to Offset Your Carbon Emissions

Pretty much everything we do in our modern lives creates some level of emissions. That is unless you want to live like Daniel Suelo.

So what’s the solution?

Well, carbon offsetting is one.

But first…

Reduce Before Offsetting

Before we dive into how to offset your carbon emissions, we need to look at reducing them as much as possible.

There are some pretty simple steps we can all take, from leaving the car at home to switching to a green energy deal for your gas and electricity. And this article from The Guardian gives you 15 different ways you can make a difference.

As for our article, well it’s all about how you can offset the carbon emissions that you can’t reduce.

What Is A Carbon Offset?

Carbon offsetting is something you’ve probably already come across in your day-to-day life. Especially if you travel.

For example, when flying you will often be given the option to pay a little surcharge to offset your flight emissions. But, what exactly are you paying for?

Well, the extra money you pay for your flight is taken by the airline and invested into projects that are working to reduce carbon emissions worldwide.

These projects cover a whole host of different activities, from reforestation to renewable energy projects and cleaner energy usage. Meaning that you’re funding a project that will capture or reduce enough carbon to balance out the emissions from your flight – well, your share of them at least.

Why is it Important?

We’re in a position where our planet is warming up at an unprecedented pace.

Human activity is having an extreme effect on our climate and wildlife and it is now categorically agreed within the scientific community that we are facing a catastrophic future thanks to man-made climate change.

Mass deforestation, extraction of the Earth’s resources and increasing levels of insulating gases being emitted into the atmosphere by human activity are key drivers.

And the figures are scary. Really scary.

If we don’t all make a change and try to do something about it then we’re heading for a dangerous future.

But, we do still have a small window of opportunity to limit the damage.

STEP #1

Calculate Your Emissions

The first step is to calculate your emissions. There are many calculators online but we like this one as it gives you options to work out your personal and business emissions.

Once you have your emission total in tonnes you can start offsetting.

STEP #2

Offset Your Emissions

Just like the emissions calculators, there are many companies that sell carbon offsets. However, not all of them are above board.

As always, where there’s money to be made there will be people who take advantage.

But, never fear, as we’ve already done the research for you and recommend using The Gold Standard.

They’re considered the most rigorous climate standard by many NGOs, including WWF. And we also like the fact that they have so many different projects for you to support. Meaning you kind find one that aligns with your business’s mission.

Final Thoughts

Carbon offsetting is not a free pass to do whatever you like. The most important thing you can do at home and in business is to reduce your carbon footprint.

Offsetting should be the last resort for any emissions that you can’t avoid.