Invest in offsets
Invest in offsets
Why?
Offsets are carbon credits that companies and individuals can purchase to help counteract the harm of their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. You purchase credits to promote an activity that removes or avoids the production of GHGs, such as by planting trees or helping to create a new source of renewable energy.
The sad truth is that many types of offsets have been ineffective or used by companies for greenwashing. The best thing companies and individuals can do is to reduce our carbon footprint. But if you do invest in offsets, first do your homework. And know that donating to or volunteering for local climate projects can be a kind of offset, immediately bringing you some good carbon “karma”!
Donate or volunteer for local projects
We are fortunate to have many organizations in Petaluma and Sonoma County working in the climate action arena. Some of them are Cool Petaluma partners. Volunteer or make a donation, and you’ll be sure to earn extra credit! Or check for Sonoma nonprofits at the Great Nonprofits website. You can also donate to a nongovernmental organization (NGO) working in defense of tropical forests, such as Rainforest Action Network, Amazon Watch, African Rainforest Conservancy, or African Wildlife Foundation.
Great Nonprofits: Sonoma Nonprofits and Charities
Become a Tree Steward: ReLeaf Petaluma
Buy high-quality carbon offsets
After you’ve done everything you possibly can, you’ll still have a carbon footprint. Use high-quality offsets to make up for unavoidable impacts, especially big-ticket items like plane flights. A high-quality offset addresses emissions that are hard to lessen and creates confidence that it is truly achieving the climate goals it professes to address. To begin, try a carbon footprint calculator. Then buy carbon credits.
Treehugger: The 6 Best Carbon Offset Programs of 2023
Carbon Fund: Offset Your Life
Regeneration: Offsets
