Aust Conserv

Carbon offsetting is an idea for reducing the impact of carbon dioxide emissions from day-to-day activities such as flying, heating homes, or driving motor vehicles. Carbon offsets are often measured in tons of carbon-dioxide equivalent. Carbon neutrality starts with reduction and this is a concentrated effort to produce less waste and use more renewable energy. Once carbon neutrality is achieved, carbon offsets makes up the rest.

Carbon offsetting is a form of trade and is voluntary. Carbon offsets counteract with specific events like weddings, conferences, air travel or driving. People and businessman buy them to reduce the carbon footprints to build up their green image. It is difficult to judge the quality of offset providers and the projects because the commercial carbon trade has become an upcoming market.

The global carbon solutions company Cleaner Climate announced a partnership with Greyhound Australia last week. The companies are initiating a carbon offset program that customers can purchase along with their ticket—for just a single extra dollar. Additionally, the companies are cooperating to create a carbon action plan to improve energy efficiency throughout Greyhound’s offices and terminals.

Greyhound is Australia’s only national coach company, so there’s plenty of potential for widespread impact. According to Cleaner Climate, “if one in three Greyhound Australia customers choose to travel green, over 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent can be offset annually through carbon reduction projects.” Greyhound has invested around 11 million dollars in upgrading its fleet of buses—now they’re each 25 percent more fuel efficiency than before.

Travelling less and travelling together helps to reduce carbon footprint. Here are a few ways that you can help reduce your carbon foot print when you're travelling around the world or just to and from work.

1. Sharing of car to work or carpooling.
2. Make sure your car is tuned and in tip top condition. An untuned car can be very inefficient.
3. Check your tyre pressure. A deflated tyre means more resistance on the tyre and more wear and tear, not to meantion the safety factors.
4. Public transport to be used rather than own car.
5. Work from home at least once a week. (If your boss lets you :) )
   
6. Drive a fuel efficient car, try a diesel powered engine or even a hybrid.
   
7. Ride a scooter or a motorbike.
8. While on a vacation, explore locally by hiring a bicycle rather than the car.
9. When staying in a hotel, turn off the lights and air-conditioning off before going out.
10. Buy carbon credits to offset your plane flights.