A carbon offset represents a metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent that is either avoided or removed from the atmosphere.  The creation of a carbon offset involves the justification of a specific activity that goes above and beyond “business as usual.” Justification is awarded when outside parties agree that the project results in an overall benefit to our atmosphere, which would be easy if our industries, ecosystems, and atmosphere were all metered.  On the surface, one would think that purchasing carbon offsets would be a task void of decision making.  An apple is an apple, right?

To understand carbon offset basics and the variety that exists, read this June 2010 featured article in the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) online journal, Insight:  http://bit.ly/az71AY

Climate mitigation, like all social and environmental movements, involves a change in our governance, cultural norms, education, and economy. Through purchase power a consumer can instigate minor shifts within each of these. The purchase of or investment in carbon offsets will continue to catalyze a reduction in GHG emissions in our atmosphere – if, like any other commodity, we are duly diligent and understand the characteristics, attributes, and features of what we buy.