Ask Dr. LJ--advice on carbon offsets?
So I've done a good bit of traveling this summer. I put 2000 miles on my car since about the end of April, I've had a few round trips by air, and I'm planning some more flying soon. This is awesome, but I know that it does involve burning fossil fuels. I'd like to try to reduce or counter the negative impact of that.
So I know that there are all kinds of places that sell carbon offsets and credits. I'm honestly somewhat skeptical of the whole thing--it feels a bit like buying indulgences, like a conscience-salving luxury with questionable impact on the problem. But at the same time, if there are ways to buy offsets that reduce overall carbon emissions and/or contribute to carbon reduction (through reforestation, for instance), then that does seem positive.
I also know (or at least get the impression) that some offset-selling schemes are far more legit than others. So I'm wondering: have you purchased carbon offsets? Do you know much about the different options? Do you suggest any in particular?
Thanks, everyone!
So I know that there are all kinds of places that sell carbon offsets and credits. I'm honestly somewhat skeptical of the whole thing--it feels a bit like buying indulgences, like a conscience-salving luxury with questionable impact on the problem. But at the same time, if there are ways to buy offsets that reduce overall carbon emissions and/or contribute to carbon reduction (through reforestation, for instance), then that does seem positive.
I also know (or at least get the impression) that some offset-selling schemes are far more legit than others. So I'm wondering: have you purchased carbon offsets? Do you know much about the different options? Do you suggest any in particular?
Thanks, everyone!