Carbon Neutral and Carbon Offsetting

Carbon neutral means zero carbon emissions achieved by offsetting the amount of carbon produced with sequestration or offset, for example, by planting trees. Carbon emissions need to be reduced in order to address global warming and climate change. Greenhouse gases erode the ozone layer, thus exacerbating the situation. The most effective way of reducing carbon emissions at the domestic level is through lifestyle change using more efficient products or using less fossil fuels. More and more householders are being encouraged to reduce our carbon footprint by using our cars less, avoiding excessive flying trips, and insulating our houses in order to reduce the amount of fossil fuels we burn for heat and water.

Not only can householders reduce their carbon emissions, but they can also save money in the process. By heating and lighting the home more efficiently we can save up to £300 per year. There are several easy ways to do this. By using energy efficient light bulbs less carbon dioxide is produced and a saving of £60 can be made on the life of each bulb. By switching lights off when not needed, further savings on electricity bills are achieved. The majority of households do not have sufficiently thick insulation in their lofts. It needs to be 270mm thick in order to insulate properly and can save you up to £180 per year in fuel bills. An average house can also save on fuel bills with cavity wall insulation, making a saving of 15% per year. Installation costs around £250, but will pay for itself within a couple of years. Another way to reduce energy bills is to lag the hot water tank. This costs only a few pounds and is a simple task which can save you up to £30 per year. The insulating jacket needs to be at least 75mm or 3 inches thick. When buying or replacing household goods such as fridges or TV’s look for the Energy Saving Recommended label or European label rating of A or above, which could save you £34 per year. Having double glazing installed can cut heat loss by 50%, reducing fuel bills by £110 per year. Where ever possible, use a fuel efficient car with low carbon dioxide emissions. This can save you around 3 months worth of fuel per year.

A further way of aiming at carbon neutral is to use a ‘greener’ form of electricity, one that is from a renewable source such as a wind farm, or have solar voltaic panels fitted to produce energy. In addition, buying fewer material goods is a valid contribution to carbon neutral, as manufacturing processes use energy, produce waste and bi-products and add to carbon emissions. You could even grow your own vegetables thus reducing production, packaging and transport costs and hence reducing carbon emissions. Despite claims of the possibility of being completely carbon neutral, if you purchase anything it is currently not possible to achieve. However, with constant technological advances and with humankind working together, carbon reduction can take place.