Carbon offset credits are a popular way to offset your carbon footprint and help reduce travel's environmental impact. While not a relevantly new concept, carbon offset credits have come into the mainstream conversation as efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change while traveling take a more aggressive approach.
To help you navigate through this interesting topic, we've put together a beginner’s guide to carbon offset credits and the most common questions, including what carbon offsets credits are, how they work, how much they cost, and where you can purchase carbon offset credits for your Durango, Colorado trip.
What Are Carbon Offset Credits?
Carbon offset credits are a type of carbon credit that can be purchased by businesses and individuals to help fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One carbon offset credit represents the reduction of one metric tonne of carbon dioxide or its equivalent in other greenhouse gasses.
How Do Carbon Offset Credits Work?
When you purchase a carbon offset credit, you essentially fund a project that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The money from the sale of offset credits is used to finance projects such as planting trees, installing solar panels, or developing renewable energy sources.
These projects help balance the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere.
Why Should I Purchase Carbon Offset Credits?
Purchasing carbon offset credits is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help fight climate change. By funding projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, you are contributing to the effort to slow down global warming.
How Much Do Carbon Offset Credits Cost?
The cost of carbon offset credits varies depending on the company you purchase them from and the project they are funding. However, offsets typically cost between $1 and $10 per metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Purchasing Carbon Offset Credits?
Like any carbon reduction strategy, there are advantages and disadvantages to purchasing carbon offset credits.
Some of the pros include:
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You can offset your emissions without making changes to your lifestyle
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Allowing businesses and individuals to continue emitting greenhouse gasses while still reducing their overall impact on the environment
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The money from the sale of offsets goes towards financing projects that reduce emissions
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Carbon offset credits can be used to offset emissions from air travel, which is one of the most difficult types of emissions to reduce
Some of the cons include:
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There is no guarantee that the project you are funding will result in reduced emissions
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The carbon offset market is not regulated, which means some companies sell offsets that are not real or do not result in emissions reductions
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Carbon offset credits can be expensive
And the biggest con:
Purchasing carbon offsets does not absolve you of your responsibility to reduce your emissions through other means.
Where Can I Purchase Carbon Offset Credits?
Several companies offer carbon offset credits for sale. You can purchase credits online or through businesses that specialize in offsetting emissions.
When searching for a place to purchase carbon offsets, it is important to ensure the provider is a reputable source. Fortunately, Visit Durango has an incredible local carbon offset provider- based locally right in town.
4CORE is a 501(c)(3) that provides programs and projects throughout the four-corners region focused on increasing energy efficiency for low-income residents. By purchasing carbon offset credits, you are helping a local family in need to install energy and cost-saving home upgrades.
Conclusion
If you are looking to offset your carbon footprint, purchase carbon offset credits from a reputable provider. And be sure to check out 4CORE for all your local offsetting needs!
