Determine your 'green' footprint and get carbon chic
By now, most of us know about CO2 emissions and global warming -- the unfortunate effects of the industrial age. There is no longer any meaningful debate on this issue. Everyone I know is aware of the challenge and wants to do something about it.
But things don't change overnight. We all can't just run out and buy hybrid cars, start riding the train or put solar panels on our roof -- certainly not as quickly as we'd like. In the long term, there are many things that we can change, given enough time and motivation. We really need a solution that allows everyone to participate immediately, at whatever level they choose or can afford, that hastens the transition to cleaner energy and reduced carbon emissions.
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One idea is the use of carbon offsets, also known as carbon trading, green tags and carbon emissions trading. This solution is elegant, market-driven, effective and scalable to any situation, from offsetting the emissions of a single car to creating a completely carbon neutral company.
The concept is simple. Offer carbon offset credits in small increments so people can neutralize the amount of emissions they choose. The proceeds are pooled and used to finance large-scale renewable energy projects, plant trees or finance other beneficial activities like industrial energy-efficiency projects.
By participating in a carbon offset program, we can personally and immediately take credit for supporting renewable energy, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and helping with the climate crisis. It can be like changing your SUV to zero emissions and your home to solar power.
Ultimately, the best results are achieved when each of us reduces our real impact directly. Carbon offsetting is not meant to provide a way for guilt-free overconsumption. The ideal scenario is to reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible then use as few carbon offsets as necessary to neutralize the rest. If you can't afford to be completely carbon neutral, you can still choose to make a difference. Everyone can be a part of the solution. This is carbon chic.
According to calculations based on data from the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Energy Information Administration, the average American family generates more than 35,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. In Southern Nevada, that number can be much higher, primarily due to the demands of the local climate, our food and water delivery systems, and lack of viable mass transit options.
You can determine your personal carbon footprint by using a simple carbon calculator found on several of these Web sites:
Some organizations are nonprofits and some are commercial. I recommend checking carefully to make sure products are certified green, that credits are retired (not resold or traded) and that programs are audited to ensure you get what you pay for.
There is also a Green Power program jointly run by Nevada Power and the Desert Research Institute. This program funds educational renewable energy systems for Nevada K-12 schools. See www.nevadapower.com/comenv/env/greenpower/ for information.
Then, it's up to you. Neutralize your car or SUV, your home, your family or your whole company. The more we do, the faster we create the change that has become urgently necessary.
For example, even though I drive a hybrid car that gets 50 miles per gallon, I've purchased carbon offsets to neutralize the CO2 emissions from the vehicle. The result is that there is no net gain in greenhouse gasses when I drive.
By utilizing carbon offsets, we can all practice green living by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.
Steve Rypka is a green living consultant and president of GreenDream Enterprises, specializing in renewable energy, green building, alternative transportation and lifestyle choices for residential and commercial clients. The company is committed to helping people live lighter on the planet. Steve can be reached via e-mail at steve@greendream.biz or at www.greendream.biz.
