by Tao Oliveto

Remember carbon off-setting? I loved the idea when it arrived on the green scene and I love it now. I offset my car, my flights and the energy use of my house each year with TerraPass, one of the leaders in what is one of the new green “industries” – you know, where the hope lies for the future of both our planet and our economy. It’s affordable for most of us who fly and own a home and in case you think otherwise, consider the incentives to then “offset” your offsets through more greening efforts like driving less, using CFL lightbulbs and turning down/up the thermostat each year.)

The effectiveness of Offsets in terms of increasing use of alternative energy and/or helping slow down global warming has been debated since the off – I mean, onset. That has died down some and it’s been established that, In general, offsetting counts, especially when it comes to unavoidable eco-sins like airline flights.

In fact, according to the NY Times blog, Green Inc., San Francisco International airport has joined with 3Degrees, a local offset company, and has spent $163,000 on kiosks now available for passengers to purchase their travel offsets at the terminal. Other airlines are offering their own offsets directly and Virgin Airlines even allows passengers to purchase while in flight. Hmm, sounds a lot better than the two vodka tonics or the latest in-flight movie being offered.

Remember, you can offset your energy/fuel use anytime for travel – it doesn’t have to be purchased ahead of time. So, all the holiday travelers can catch up now. Happy New Green Year.