How to Offset Your
Carbon Footprint

How is it that our carbon footprint matters so? Modern life uses lots of energy. We have burned enough excess energy that world scientists have strongly advised us to reduce our Co₂ emissions or risk a possibly catastrophic climate change.

The typical U.S. household emits 50,000-60,000 pounds of CO₂ each year.

We can reverse this. A few simple adjustments to our daily routines can make a huge difference to our carbon emissions. For example, by merely taking 5 minute showers, drying one less laundry load per week, keeping your car tuned and your tires properly inflated can save 1875 pounds per year.

Steps to Reduce Your
Carbon Footprint

According to data gathered by the Sierra Club, the following measures will cut your CO₂ emissions by the average amounts listed. Every such step we take is one in the right direction.

Calculate Your Travel Costs & Footprint

If you're driving, you may calculate the fuel costs and the amount of carbon generated by your trip at costtodrive.com.

If you're flying, the cost would of course be provided by the airline. The carbon produced is best calculated using carbonfund.org.

Buying Carbon Offsets

When you purchase an offset, the organization offering the offset uses the money to invest in tree planting, low emission renewable energy or in some other manner works to create a balancing affect to the carbon-creating activity you are pursuing.

In a recent survey by a major environmental organization, CarbonFund.org was found to be the most cost effective of the reliable services surveyed. They charge about $10 US per metric ton of carbon. Compare to TerraPass.com at about $13 US per ton, NativeEnergy.com at about $13 US per ton or CosttoDrive.com at over $20 per metric ton.

Return From Carbon Footprint to Going Green