It is no secret that the environment is taking a beating as we, humans are destroying the environment. According to a study, humans are just 0.01% of all living beings, but humanity is responsible for the annihilation of 83% of wild mammals and 50% of plants.
How can we play our part to protect the environment?
Carbon offsetting is one way we can make a difference in our daily lives. We are sure you have heard of carbon offsets before, but do you really know what it means and how you can be involved?
What are carbon offsets?
An offset is an action or an activity that reduces the Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) of an entity. Carbon offsets enable you to mitigate the impact of your activities on the environment.
Carbon offsets refer to any project that counters unavoidable emissions by removing carbon dioxide and other gases. These offsets invest in projects that support sustainable goals.
Carbon offsets help businesses, individuals, and countries to meet reduction targets such as for example, if you fly on business class for a transatlantic flight, according to our research, you will produce ten times more CO2 than the average economy traveler.
By purchasing an offset for your trip, you can reduce the carbon impact by ten times. It is a simple way of making the air we breathe cleaner for us all to live in.
If you buy carbon offsets, you will reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment.
Carbon offsets help create sustainable energy programs by providing alternative sources of energy. Investing in offsets helps plantation of trees, biodiversity, and use of renewable energy.
These offsets encourage ecologically sensitive farming techniques that prevent damage to ecosystems, thus reducing the rate at which they emit greenhouse gases. If each of us offsets our carbon footprint, we can reduce the effects on the environment and help climate change.
Tree planting is one of the most cost-effective ways of fighting climate change as trees sequester carbon. Offsets help in the reforestation and protection of biodiversity.
Cost of carbon offsets.
Carbon offset prices vary depending on the type of emissions reduction project, the standard against which measures, and the type of organization funding the purchase.
It is possible that corporations may obtain a lower price per ton by purchasing larger volumes of carbon offsets. Overall, the prices have increased tremendously over the last 12 months.
You can purchase high quality carbon credit offsets through Climate Carbon’s website. Prices depend on project type.
By investing in offsets, you help with reforestation, biodiversity, and the installation of solar panels and wind turbines which will decrease the amount of coal and fossil fuels used for energy.
Steps to cut your carbon footprint.
It makes sense to reduce your carbon footprint by switching to renewables.
There are now green energy sources available, and by switching to them, you can reduce your household emissions and save money on your monthly energy bills. And if they are readily available where you live, you can even install solar panels.
Invest in energy-efficient appliances and devices.
You can make your home eco-friendly by following a few simple tips. For instance, use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances with a high Energy Star rating.
Try to buy local and organic.
Do you want to make a difference in reducing global warming? You can do this by consuming less red meat, which requires a lot of land, water, and energy to produce. Shopping for food which is locally sourced, makes an environmental difference from buying any exotic imported food.
Say no to plastic bottles.
As an alternative, you can bring your water in a reusable container instead of buying bottled water each time you are thirsty. This way, you can avoid using so much plastic.
Composting
Composting is surprisingly good for the environment when food waste is such a big issue. By setting up a composting pit, you can help to reduce landfill methane emissions. Composting is free, doesn’t use energy to produce, and is nutritious for your garden soil.
Consuming less beef and dairy products
Raising cattle is an extremely resource-intensive activity, and the environmental impact is highly significant. Raising cows on land that was previously forested releases carbon emissions and contributes to deforestation.
Conserving water
Some of the ways to save water in the garden are using plants that use less water and installing a drip irrigation system. You can also save water by installing a water saver device on your shower heads and faucets, turning off the tap when you brush your teeth and installing low-flow shower heads.
Reduce, reuse and recycle
If you reduce the production of new products, you can reduce your Greenhouse Gas emissions from manufacturing and transporting products. You can achieve this by buying used products and reselling or recycling items you no longer need. By doing these things, you can reduce your own carbon footprint.
Instead of flying on a private jet, fly in a commercial jet.
Private jets have the highest carbon emissions by far. And if you are going to fly on a private jet, at least select a provider that allows you to calculate and offset your carbon footprint.
Do not use carbon offsetting as a replacement for the reduction of your carbon footprint. Use offsets and reduction in conjunction with each other. Carbon measurement will allow you to know where you are on your sustainable journey.
Offsetting your carbon footprint is a step towards taking full responsibility for carbon pollution. That is your contribution to climate change. In doing so, you help protect the forest and promote renewable energy projects.