I just planned a whirlwind summer vacation (in airport code: YYZ – LHR – TLV – MAD – PDX – YYZ), which unfortunately means a series of flights that add up to 17,270 miles, 349 gallons of fuel and 6,828 pounds of carbon dioxide. So to balance out my three tonnes of guilt, I registered at TerraPass and offset all my air travel. Surprisingly, it only cost $36.95, and they even gave me a nerdy eco-traveller luggage tag to boot.
Now, offsets are a little controversial: Critics liken them to the medieval church selling indulgences to absolve sinners; but in the end, most environmentalists agree that they’re worth investing in after you’ve made every other effort to reduce your air and car travel, as well as energy consumption at home, in your dorm room or at your wedding(s).
While it’s true that I could have chosen to stay at home this summer, the reality is that it’s just not the same trying to celebrate your aunt’s 50th birthday party over the phone, hug one of your dearest friends by email, or go on a permaculture cycling trip down the coast of … Lake Ontario.
My green change as of today, then, is to only fly when necessary, to plan all my flights strategically, to spread the word with my nerdy luggage tag and, of course, to offset all my air travel.
Graphics nicked from TerraPass
Sounds like an awesome trip! I’ve always felt a bit wary of the offset sites (I think I once saw a Chevy suburban with a “This vehicle is offset by…” bumper-sticker), but I like the idea that it’s something to do after making all other possible sacrifices.
Safe travels ~
We’re really interested in this topic. Amy and I are getting married soon, and my parents bought us a honeymoon as a wedding gift. I’d like to buy an offset for it, and I’d love to do a Greentime video on the whole matter, but I feel pretty paralyzed by not knowing how to pick an offset company that will do the right thing with my money.
How did you pick the company you picked?
Portland?
i personally like native energy as well. one of the largest debates right now in the offset topic is the question of “additionality” meaning that the offset should be something that would not have been otherwise done had you not provided the monies for it.
http://www.imorganic.com/organiblog.php/?p=92
this blog entry has a basic explanation of additionality.
feel free to check out all the others. I have done a few pieces on my greening of the roadtrip as well.
c
I’m finding it hard to stay away from riding planes, though, especially since my family lives a whole ocean away and, well, flying’s the only way to be with them
Portland has received a lot of attention lately for its green/sustainable practices. While I often see the glass half empty – there is still a lot of progress to be made here – there are a lot of wonderful and transformative experiences to be had here. While in Portland, I recommend you visit the Ecotrust Building, where you can visit Portland’s Office of Sustainable Development, Ecotrust, and eat Hotlips. A ride on the Willamette Esplanade will be nice, and depending on when you’re in town, you can take part in some Pedalpalooza fun. As for neighborhoods, I recommend eating Laughing Planet burritos on Belmont, checking out a movie at the Baghdad on Hawthorne, eating at Poc Poc on Division, …. OK, I’ll just send you over to the Dirt Cheap Guide to Portland, which says it better than I can…