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Why Carbon Ofsetting?
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on the benefits of ofsetting carbon.
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Every day, individuals engage in activities that release greenhouse gasses including carbon dioxide (CO2 ) into the atmosphere. Hydrocarbon fuels (primarily coal, natural gas and oil) are used extensively to produce the energy that gets us to work, cooks our food and provides the goods and services that have become essential to our lives. However, these fuels come with a cost. When a hydrocarbon fuel is burned to produce energy the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere. This carbon then combines with oxygen molecules to form carbon dioxide. CO2 is one of the most potent greenhouse gasses responsible for the greenhouse effect, which many scientists believe is responsible for the current warming trend that is occurring across the globe.
We are all responsible for releasing greenhouse gasses into our atmosphere; in fact the average American is responsible for releasing an average of 22 tons of CO2 each year. When we heat and light our homes, drive our cars and consume goods and services our actions directly contribute to global warming. Obviously this is a problem, everyday activities are having drastic effects on our environment but what can be done? Ideally all energy would be produced from carbon neutral sources such as wind and solar power. However, this is not going to be the case for many years to come due to the cost of alternative energy sources. Thus the burden lies upon individuals to alter their behavior in order to combat this pressing and critical problem. Individuals must first asses their personal actions and strive to conserve energy and make conscious choices to limit their CO2 output.
Until all energy is generated from carbon neutral sources, one way to mitigate an individual?s carbon footprint is to purchase carbon offsets form companies like Carbonzero. Carbonzero first calculates CO2 production from a specific source and then through a variety of programs offsets an equivalent amount of carbon. The programs either directly absorb carbon from the atmosphere or prevent carbon from entering the atmosphere all together. Carbonzero uses a combination of tree planting, light bulb replacement, green energy purchases and retires carbon credits to offset carbon emissions.
Our carbon offsets differ from other companies because Carbonzero has a unique local approach to offsetting an individual?s emissions. Instead of purchasing credits from and internet based company based somewhere and only reading about their programs, you can purchase offsets that personally affect your environment. Native tree species are planted on local lands through a partnership with La Plata Open Space Conservancy land owners. Green energy subsidies and energy efficient light bulbs are given to local businesses and non-profits. And 1 ton carbon credits are purchased from the Chicago Climate Exchange and donated to local non-profits to be retired. By choosing to apply our programs locally Carbonzero aims to bring transparency and accountability our clients. Additionally the benefits from these offsets are realized by our clients and the community in our own backyard. The business that you frequent the charities working locally and the surrounding lands are our partners thus making the specific benefits local and the broader benefits of carbon reduction global.
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