What is Carbon Neutrality ?

It has become nearly unavoidable. Every business, family and home in America has had their carbon footprint called into question. What is a "carbon footprint"? That term refers to the amount of carbon that an entity releases versus how much that same entity either offsets or sequesters. Achieving neutrality refers to the balancing of these two measurements.

If each of us strives to reduce our carbon footprint, we can help to move our planet towards being climate neutral. This climate neutrality is most easily achieved by reducing the amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gasses within our atmosphere. Maybe the biggest question is whether or not the changes we can make as individuals really help ?




Carbon offset credits, which can actually be purchased by bigger companies, represent retired legal pollution rights. Scientists believe that purchasing these is the most credible way in the United States that companies can offset their C02 emissions.

While that is fine for companies, individuals should take a slightly different approach. While each of us has individual energy consumption needs, we need to look at our various usages of power as well as our output of GHG ( Greenhouse Gasses). For individuals, carbon calculators simplify compiling that inventory.

Our primary responsibility as individuals is to first reduce our own carbon footprint, then we can educate others as to how they can do the same. If we are to make a significant impact where saving our planet's environment is concerned, each of us will need to be willing to lead by example.