What is carbon offsetting?

Most people don’t know what the term is, so I take it as a nature lover to spread the word for those who aren’t in the know — essentially, carbon offsetting is a means to lessen greenhouse gases that are poisoning our earth by doing things that counteract the carbon.

A popular option, and one which I am most proud about, is sending money out to help plant trees in your name to absorb the excess carbon dioxide that’s slowly enveloping the planet.

300 trees are roughly estimated to soak up 68 tons of greenhouse gases released by high-energy-consumption lifestyles and industries.

While trees aren’t the only solution for solving this dilemma, there are other means for carbon offsetting to occur, such as investing in renewable energy sources, such as wind power, solar power, hydroelectric power, and biofuel.

Some projects even go so far as combustion of the methane produced by farm animals, landfills and industrial waste. Methane has a higher Global Warming Potential (GWP) 23 times higher than that of CO2.

Reforestation projects are always a big help, and then there’s afforestation — the creation of forests in lands where there were no forests to begin with. Hopefully, these new forests will last for more than a generation.

It all starts with a tree — so help save the environment by planting trees, or checking out groups that are for carbon offsetting.

We’ve heard it over and over. Oil is going to run out some day, and the government isn’t doing much about it! An article over at the Environmental News Network says that a poll with over 15,000 respondents said that majority believed that oil is running out. I agree! Especially with the oil prices rising! Even if some people claim that we won’t run out for a while, power plants running on coal and oil still pollute the environment! Luckily, we still make more power, through cleaner means.

1. Solar Energy. The sun is above our heads, shining until the world ends. Why not use it? One problem: solar energy is expensive! Science is finding a way to make it cheaper than oil or coal, but it will probably take another decade or so. Still, more and more people are investing in solar power, even solar power conferences like this one in 2008, and who knows? It may just become our largest source of energy! You can even make a solar generator at home for only around $300 for those sudden blackouts.

2. Wind Energy. Ah, the fresh morning breeze. Windmills have been around for a long time, and now we have turbines using the wind’s power for electricity! Prime places for wind, however, sometimes run into other interests like farms, cities or resorts. I can sort of understand that. I don’t want places like that resort in Bora Bora to disappear! Hopefully science can find a way to solve this.

3. Hydroelectric Power. Ever been on a powerful river? That current is strong! The river powers turbines that provide electricity. Water will keep flowing as long as the world is alive! We’re already aware of the effects of damming up a river, sometimes causing loss of homes, but it’s still a good source of energy.

4. Geothermal Power. Hot springs are a natural relaxation spot for many people. They can also be used for power! The steam and hot water can be used to turn turbines, and can also heat houses and buildings. Not only do you have a way to soak and relax, you have a power source, too! Sadly, not too many places in the world are prime spots for this type of power.

5. Ocean Power. Any surfer will tell you that those waves pack a wallop! So it’s only natural that they can be used for energy. Tides make water rise and fall, and wind along the ocean surface can make waves. Wave power is already used by some lighthouses and buoys, even! Canada and France already have power plants that use the power of the tides to make electricity. A third, experimental system uses heat flow in oceans, but it’s still being researched. All methods are expensive, though. But we have science for that!

There you have it! In case one day we run out of oil and coal, by then, we will have enough knowledge to let these energies power our world. What method do you prefer?

You may also want to read these articles:

• 5 Anti Global Warming Tips You Can Do
• 4 Good Things About Biofuel
• Nuclear Power

Al Gore is doing the right thing: global warming is a glaring problem these days. It’s getting hotter year after year! The weather patterns are changing, ocean levels are rising, everything is spewing out destructive gases, and it’s already a disaster! We may soon find New York and a lot of places close to water several meters under that water. The government spends millions doing what they can, but we ordinary people can contribute in a small way. How? Do the following! Unless you and your family want to shop in the Big Apple wearing scuba gear, that is.

1. Car? What car? Try to avoid using it! Use buses or trams. Bicycles will do. You can always hike if it’s close by. Sometimes it’s dangerous not to be in a car, but at least you’ll be spending less and helping the environment at the same time! I ride my bicycle to places I need to go. It’s good exercise, keeps me slim, and is free of carbon monoxide! If you really have to, use cars and light vehicles instead of fuel-guzzling SUVs. You can also promote a carpool for your co-workers, to save gas and build camaraderie.

2. Save paper! Trees help absorb greenhouse gases. Millions of acres are lost every year. What can we do? Use both sides of the paper, of course. Use the back when possible, not take out a new sheet! Use reusable cloth bags or plastic bags when shopping, not paper bags which are easily thrown away. Saving a few pieces of paper isn’t much, but if more people do it, we can save a lot!

3. Turn off the lights! Many power plants still use coal and oil, which spew out harmful gases. Observe Earth Day. Use florescent and low-energy bulbs and turn them off when you don’t need them! Use that blow-dryer only when you need to! Try to buy energy-efficient appliances, which are usually labeled. Insulate your rooms so you use your heater less. If you go out for a while, like if you won a free trip or something, power down your house completely. Not only will you lower your bill, but you’ll help the environment out, too!

4. Vote wisely. If the guy running for the Senate emphasizes on environment-friendly measures, and he means well, vote for him! If he wins, he’ll help the environment. Try to avoid voting candidates who don’t have even a shred of concern about nature. Vote for those who care about the planet. Don’t just think about the planet though. If he’s only caring about the planet and nothing else, he probably doesn’t care about the planet anyway.

5. Spread the word! Tell everyone all the things above. Tell your friends, family, relatives, coworkers, and more. Post it on forums, message boards, and blogs. If even ten out of a hundred listen to you, and one of that ten actually does something, it makes a difference!

See? Saving the environment is easy, keeps you fit, and saves you money! It’s worth it. What environment-friendly tips can you share? Speak up!