There seems to be a movement that is gaining traction in the environmental advocacy world. The newest "fad" is the idea of carbon offsetting. In the past few weeks there have been numerous reports and stories, on various radio programs, talking about carbon offsets and where to go for a person to partake in this practice. I really had very little knowledge of this practice so I did some research and definitely have a better grasp of the practice now.

Now according to wikipedia " carbon offsetting is the act of mitigating ("offsetting") greenhouse gas emissions. A wide variety of offset methods are in use - tree planting has initially been a mainstay of carbon offsetting, renewable energy and energy conservation offsets have now become increasingly popular, and purchase and withdrawal of emissions trading credits is also seen.

Carbon offsetting as part of a "carbon neutral" lifestyle has gained some appeal and momentum mainly among consumers in western countries who have become aware and concerned about the potentially negative effects of energy-demanding lifestyles and economies on the environment. Offsets may be cheaper or more convenient alternatives to reducing one's own fossil-fuel consumption. However, some critics object to carbon offsets, and many have questioned the benefits of certain types of offsets (such as tree planting), and other projects. "

It is funny this concept of carbon offsets seems to be a return to the practice of indulgences, which were prevalent in the Middle Ages as a way for people to ensure that their sins would be "forgiven" and people would go directly to Heaven when they die. This practice looks like a way for wealthy people to assuage their guilt and instead of making real life changes they will directly impact carbon emissions. The John Travolta's, Madonna's, and Al Gore's of the world will be the first to tell people how they are destroying the planet through polluting the environment with excessive carbon emissions, yet they jet around the world in highly inefficient and excessive polluting personal jets with a handful of entourage members. To continue there polluting lifestyle they use carbon offsetting to condone their excessive and harmful habits. It must be nice to have the money to pay off wasteful habits.

There are definite steps and actions that an individual can do that would have a greater impact than carbon offsetting. Recycling comes to mind, composting is also helpful. Some things I have done in my own personal life includes using energy saving light bubs, change many of the cleaning products I use to those that are environmentally friendly, recycle when I can, use public transportation as much as possible, and when I am out in the woods to pick up litter. I want to do more but at this moment my hands are a bit tied but I have been reading about green roofs and use of others forms of energy sources for a house but I will do what I can possibly do.

Learn more about this author, Joe Trella.
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