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.

I love trees! They’re all around us, keeping our surroundings green and the air fresh. Everyone likes a nice stroll around the park, taking in the view, feeling nature around them. So let’s celebrate and appreciate trees with these weird little facts!

1. Pine Trees. What’s so unusual about these? Well, a certain species from Finland loves its healthy nutrients, kinda like me! One of these can reach over 30 miles of roots! That must absorb a lot of water!

2. Tree Art. Grafting, a process used to make two plants fuse, is a great method of multiplying them. It can also be used for art! Living tree archways, chairs, tables, ladders, even sculptures, like the one below. That’s something I’d love to see for myself!

3. Tree…Man! Okay, so those aren’t really trees growing out of him…but it sure looks like it! Dede, shown below, has a common condition where warts grow on the body. But it’s partnered with a genetic defect that stops his immune system and makes those warts grow out of control! Fortunately, a way has been found to cure him. What a relief!

Weird, but fascinating stuff! What other weird trees do you know? Speak up!