How Can Homeowners Offset Their Carbon Emissions Beyond the Home?

For an individual to offset their carbon emissions, there are multiple options. The following list will provide an overview of some available options. It is important to note that this list is certainly not exhaustive; instead, it is an introduction to well-known programs and their environmentally-positive initiatives.

Terapass

Terrapass offers individuals, businesses, and event planners the ability to offset their emissions through the purchase of carbon offsets, renewable energy credits, and water restoration certificates. For less than five dollars, an individual can purchase offsets of 1,000 pounds of carbon emitted. For reference, the average American produces 3,000 pounds of carbon emissions each month.

The projects in Terrapass’ portfolio include landfill gas capture, farm power, clean energy from wind farms, and abandoned coal mine methane. You can use their site to calculate your carbon footprint and see how it compares to the average American’s. By examining your travel habits and home’s energy usage in detail, you can determine how many offsets you can purchase to offset your annual carbon emissions.

Community Forests International

Community Forests International is a globally leading, environmentally forward non-profit that works to soak up CO2 directly from the air by planting trees and protecting forests. Their current initiative is to save an at-risk Canadian forest-- Acadian forest-- from continued deforestation. One of the most diverse forests globally, yet, it is one of the most endangered, with only 5% of pre-colonial conditioned forests remaining.

Goals for 2020 include protecting and restoring 5,000 acres of the Acadian forest, including 1 million trees and 40 tree species. Their end goal is to transform the Acadian forest into one of the world’s largest carbon storehouses. To do this, they follow strict verification standards, including the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. Their carbon offset projects can be donated on behalf of an individual or organization. Notably, they have created strong partnerships with DIALOG, a Canadian architecture and engineering firm, and Free and Easy Traveler. This adventure travel company wished to offset the travel emissions of their company leaders.

Flights

Over 30 international airlines have participated in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) carbon offset program: CORSIA. Since aviation is responsible for around 2% of global CO2 emissions, this is a significant step. IATA is one of only four organizations worldwide to meet the world’s highest standard for carbon offsetting-- the Quality Assurance Standard (QAS). CORSIA ensures that carbon emissions in the aviation industry are mitigated, and 2.5 billion tonnes of CO2 are expected to be offset by 2035.

With any airline you are considering, first, determine if they are participating in the CORSIA program. As a customer, you have the option to purchase carbon offsets for your flight(s) on your own, which will be discussed next.

While many airlines have initiatives to reduce their operating emissions, customers can take matters into their own hands. Many major airlines offer carbon offset purchase options, and this article provides a comprehensive overview of many popular airline programs.

Two critical pieces of advice: First, make sure you research to determine which project types are supported by the airline you consider. Some projects to offset carbon emissions can be more effective than others.

Second, and more importantly, ask yourself if you need to travel by plane. If it is for business, can you telecommute instead? If traveling for leisure, is there somewhere within driving, train, or bus distance that would be equally enjoyable? If you opt to travel by air, look for nonstop flights, as most carbon emissions from a flight come from takeoff and landing.

Ridesharing

You can even offset your carbon emissions through ridesharing with LYFT. In 2017, LYFT committed to ensuring their rides were carbon neutral and are one of the top ten voluntary purchases of carbon on the planet. In 2018, LYFT could offset over a million metric tons of carbon. By 2025, they plan to use electric vehicles powered by renewable energy to reduce emissions in the transportation sector as a whole.