Comments on: Carbon Offsets are a Joke

By: Sean

Sean — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 19:32:12 +0000

Hi, Tim,
Great post.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:47:10 +0000

Hey Tim –

I agree with what you´ve written here. The ¨green¨ revolution needs to be something that´s a shift in the mindset of people where they recognize immediately the rewards of a sustainable life (for example, a life that involves little work, a relationship with nature, better relationships with family). It won´t happen with programs and it definitely won´t be the result of capitalism.

Everyone should read ¨Ishmael¨ by Daniel Quinn.

By: tim

tim — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:11:47 +0000

Thanks for those links Ron. Always good to get the scoop from you and your readers’ perspective at Planeta.com since they’re living and breathing this stuff every day. (No pun intended.)

By: Ron Mader

Ron Mader — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:39:50 +0000

Personal carbon offsetting is not a solution but a big scam. Thank you for chiming in on this issue. I’d encourage you to read Michael Kaye’s essay we published earlier this year on Planeta.com
http://www.planeta.com/planeta/07/0709offsets.html

More about tourism and climate change online
http://www.planeta.com/ecotravel/tour/climatechange.html

By: John Nicholls

John Nicholls — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 04:19:45 +0000

Carbon Offseting is only small part of the solution.It falls under a greater consciousnes and responsability for all of us to do what ever we can.
Yes there are numerous examples of green washing,its the ugly side of human nature, but that should not become a reason to reduce our efforts in this fight for our planet.
We operate a Hotel & Tour booking agency promoting Sustainable Tourism in our country (Vanuatu) and via our Carbon Offsetting program we finantial support a scheme to save (and replant)the West Australian forests from rising salinity, a catastrophic repercussion of land clearing in that country.
We believe that carbon offseting your home and business with a ethical carbon offseting organisation is a small step in the right direction and encourage everyone to do it.
It is not a opportunity to increase your environmental footprint, only the first step,ther is plenty more to do…

By: tim

tim — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:08:13 +0000

James, that photo is classic. Not only are they driving a mega RV and towing an SUV behind, they also have a trailer?! As in even with that much space they can’t fit in all their crap? Unreal.

By: foxnomad

foxnomad — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:04:20 +0000

Agreed with those above, it’s more about smart choices, being a bit conservative, and exploring the wonders closer to home.

http://www.foxnomad.com/2007/11/19/33-ways-to-green-your-travels/

By: james

james — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 18:18:38 +0000

p.s. I think we saw the same vehicle on the road:

http://www.futuregringo.com/index.php/2007/08/20/interstate-70-thoughts/

By: james

james — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 18:16:51 +0000

Tim thanks for the link to my post. Excellent analysis.

Regarding your #2 comment. You’re right. The concept of huge resorts and hotels attempting to be “green” is counterproductive. What’s greener in the long run? Bulldozing and stirring up a bunch of land for a new “green” hotel – or staying at a small house or hotel that might have a woodburning stove or forget to recycle a couple milk jugs.

Being green is about the collective of your life and the way you live it. Not making yourself feel better by purchasing a “carbon offset” or drinking Eos bottled water.

Right on #3 also.

If I may post the last paragraph of my post:

When thinking “green” forget about what’s on the store shelf, carbon offsets, or living green. Examine your consumption, material drives, and balance your needs versus your wants. Scaling down in life, spending less, and making conscious consumer choices beyond whether it’s “green” or not will by proxy make you a greener person. That’s the ultimate green statement. But don’t tell the marketers.

james…

By: Sheila Scarborough

Sheila Scarborough — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 22:09:17 +0000

There was an excellent article in “Business Week” recently, about carbon offsets and businesses fooling themselves.

“Little Green Lies:” http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_44/b4056001.htm

Great article, Tim.