How many truly unique holiday gifts are on the market? We’ve found an idea that really is unique and helps the planet: carbon offsets. Carbon offsets are a great way to help reduce carbon emissions during holidays travel, like driving and flying.
In the past, our readers have had many questions about carbon offsets and what exactly they are. BeGreenNow.com describes their purpose well: "While it's nearly impossible to reduce your carbon footprint to zero, carbon offsets can make up the difference ... by purchasing carbon offsets and renewable energy credits, you're investing in cleaner technologies that help neutralize your contribution to global warming."
Currently Wikipedia defines a carbon offset as "a financial instrument representing a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions ... one carbon offset represents the reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases."
I’m sure everyone has an Auntie Clair or an Uncle Jeffrey who have come across the country to bring you stale fruitcake. Instead of getting them another George Foreman grill and bagged popcorn, you can buy carbon offsets in their name, offsetting the carbon emissions from their trip.
Check this air travel calculator to quickly calculate their flight (short, medium, long) and how many flights you want to offset. You can also offset their vehicle emissions.
Don’t forget to share this page to help others conserve energy and save money.
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5 hours ago
8 comments:
I was hoping you would post something of this nature after my comment under the "Thaxton" post.
This is a great idea - much better than 1 share of stock from Disney or some random company or having a star named after you! (It probably burned out billions of years ago anyway)
Thank you so much.
If someone wants to donate money to save the environment, then feel free (and thank you). However, don't buy carbon offsets for Auntie Clair or Uncle Jeffrey. For enduring the pains of travel to come see you, they deserve real gifts of appreciation (not offsets which may indicate that the environment would have been better off if they would have stayed at home!). If you feel strongly that you need to purchase offsets for their travel then tell your Auntie or Uncle to purchase them as YOUR gift from them.
Quoting Anonymous: "However, don't buy carbon offsets for Auntie Clair or Uncle Jeffrey. For enduring the pains of travel to come see you, they deserve real gifts of appreciation"
Who is to say they wouldn't feel these were "real" gifts of appreciation?
Furthermore, "For enduring the pains of travel to come see you", might I suggest you DO change it up some. Maybe the Christmas sweater this year would be better served at homeless shelter?
Travel is not a pain if you are going to see the ones you love and visa versa.
Or - you could just ask them how they feel about it before hand?
Take it easy "ItsPossible" - all I'm saying is don't push your idealism/activism on others. I for one would NOT appreciate carbon offsets as a Christmas gift - and I am sure that I am not alone! However, if someone knows me and knows my passionate support for the homeless and decides to give a gift in my name to a homeless shelter then I am all for that. But let's not assume everyone agrees with logic behind buying carbon offsets.
Again, if you feel strongly about the environment and want to take positive action about it, then by all means do so. Just don't do so at others' expense - unless of course you know that carbon offsets are a passionate cause for "Uncle Jeffrey or Auntie Clair". Asking 1st, by the way, would kind of ruin the surprise.
Also, I hate to break it to you, but travel CAN be a real pain regardless of the reason. Have you ever dealt with lost baggage, traffic, etc.???
I thought we were having a healthy debate. You weren't throwing your ideals on me nor me on you.
If all debates led to smiles, hugs, and laughs - what would we get accomplished?
I value your opinion!
First off I want to say that Im really upset that this blog was posted on my birthday and I didnt get to see it on my birthday! :)
I most definitely agree with a lot of people in here, throwing differnet views, different discussions. THIS IS WHAT I LIVE FOR!
:o)
Before purchasing Carbon Offsets perhaps what's needed is an effort to reduce our carbon footprints.
I'm aware that Dominion offers an online tool, Carbon Calculator. You can find it at https://www.energyguide.com/calculators/Default.aspx?referrerid=244&h=0
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.I love your work! Great job! Thanx, happy holidays guys !
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