How to Obtain Carbon Credits
The Earth is changing rapidly. Gases like carbon dioxide from cars, trucks, power plants and other sources are building up and causing global climatic changes such as stronger hurricanes. Several organizations offer carbon credits so people or businesses can negate the impact of their greenhouse gas emissions on the planet. In exchange for a donation, these organizations invest in reforestation projects, renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that absorb a volume of greenhouse gases equal to the amount you emitted.
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Instructions
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Calculate your carbon footprint. A number of calculators are available on the Internet, including the Nature Conservancy, Carbon Fund and Carbon Planet. These calculators walk you through your use of energy, your travel, your food choices, and even your trash to help you determine the size of your carbon footprint.
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Take steps to reduce your carbon footprint. Before purchasing carbon credits, look at the calculator results, and see where you can make changes. Try to reduce your home energy use, travel lighter or less often, plant trees native to your area, turn down your heat or up your air conditioner, and buy local foods that haven't used a lot of energy to get to your store.
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Choose an offset program. Find an organization that offers carbon credits, and decide if it supports projects that you support. Contribute a one-time fee to purchase a fixed amount of credits or contribute monthly.
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Tips & Warnings
You can sell your carbon credits, but in some countries, these credits are considered securities, so you will want to check your government's standards on such sales.
Purchasing carbon credits is not tax deductable. It is a retail purchase, not a charitable donation.
References
Resources
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