Many of us search for further methods to lessen our dependency on fossil fuels and our carbon footprints. Because of our efforts, carbon offsetting has become popular as a simple, low-impact way for people to give back.
We need to define carbon offsets first before we can analyze their efficiency.
Carbon offsets often relate to lowering or eliminating greenhouse gases (GHGs) to offset emissions from elsewhere.
Carbon credits and offsets are sometimes used interchangeably. However, they have a few minor differences. A certified instrument that may be transferred and represents decreased CO2 emissions is called a carbon credit.
One can emit a certain quantity of greenhouse gases (GHGs) when they purchase carbon credits. Because they are quantifiable, verified emission reductions from approved climate action programs are crucial; as a result, only a select few businesses can provide carbon credits.
The Voluntary Carbon Market
The voluntary carbon market (VCM) aims to make carbon emitters responsible for the damage they inflict on the environment.
Businesses, governments, and private citizens may join the VCM by buying carbon credits released by initiatives reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere.
When the VCM began, its primary focus was developing novel approaches to combat climate change. Since then, it has grown into a more potent strategy by supporting the allocation of essential funds to initiatives that result in internationally verifiable carbon reductions.
Carbon Credits
Carbon offsets are a valuable tool for addressing the climate catastrophe for several reasons.
Carbon credits are available for everyone to purchase, allowing more individuals to participate and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
It pushes companies and people to take responsibility for using fossil fuels, which might result in a more thoughtful strategy with lower emissions.
You may see how the money helps communities worldwide by looking at the measured reductions in emissions from climate action projects provided by the voluntary carbon market.
Carbon offsetting can be applied to a company’s internal reduction targets.
Offsetting Carbon Footprints
1. Individuals or small businesses may use A free online carbon footprint calculator to get an approximate assessment of their greenhouse gas emissions. An individual’s average annual carbon footprint in the UK is 12.7 tons.
Calculators will request information on how much you spend on transportation, energy use at home, and other expenses like eating out, shopping for groceries, furnishings, cosmetics, other items, and leisure activities.
Larger companies should accurately measure their carbon impact using an approved consulting firm. Your carbon footprint will be estimated, and the services will confirm your greenhouse gas emissions.
2. It’s time to cut your emissions after calculating your carbon footprint.
One may minimize their environmental effect by implementing simple adjustments such as reducing the time spent in the shower, eating a meat-free diet, or lowering the temperature.
Following this step entails thinking about your greenhouse gas emissions regularly. You’ll save money in the future stage by having less to offset when you reduce your carbon impact today.
3. Select a verified carbon standard (VCS) certified credit and Gold Standard Verified Emission Reductions (VERs) certified project that emphasizes excellent quality. Additionally, to ensure that the project you choose is legitimate and helpful, it is essential to choose one that complies with the Quality Assurance Standard (QAS) for Carbon Offsetting.
In the end, carbon offset initiatives contribute to lowering atmospheric carbon levels. Some programs, however, also address the indirect consequences of climate change, such as the decline in biodiversity, the availability of clean drinking water, employment and education opportunities, and overall health and well-being in nations that are more vulnerable to the issue.
If you need help figuring out where to contribute, perusing a portfolio of carbon offset projects is a great place to start.
Are you thinking about commercial recycling? Give us a call or send an email to begin this process.
