The low-down on carbon offsets

Any day now I expect to see Paris Hilton parading a "carbon neutral is hot" t-shirt, because, baby, carbon offsets are the new black. A couple weeks ago the Oregonian ran an article in which Nike, Keen Footwear and REI boasted their impending "carbon neutral" status. No, they aren't changing their manufacturing processes or working to reduce the amount of fossil fuels they consume. They are buying their way out with carbon offsets.

Carbon offsets are projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gases. Companies pay X amount of dollars toward a project that may be implemented anywhere in the world; the project's measured effectiveness at reducing greenhouse gases is then subtracted from the energy usage of the company. So, for instance, a company in Oregon could purchase offsets that would fund a tree-planting project in Germany. The company could then claim that they had reduced energy usage by X percent based on the amount of greenhouse gases the trees were absorbing. Even from 5,000 miles away they can claim this because the planet shares the atmosphere. We are all one.

Individuals can do this, too. Say you want to fly to Mexico (god I want to fly to Mexico. immediately.). On the site TerraPass, you can calculate how much CO2 you emit flying round trip from Portland to Ixtapa: 3,557 lbs. of CO2. Then, for only $36.95 I can buy offsets that will go toward renewal energy projects...somewhere. Presto! No more guilt. Now pour me a margarita.

I think offsets are a fine temporary step to addressing global warming dilemma (if they're used for legit projects), but when do manufacturers start taking direct responsibility for their inefficiencies and change the way they do business? Because we're living in a global economy supported by cheap oil and cheaper overseas labor, where's the incentive? At some point shouldn't these Nikes of the world be making huge changes internally? Do we need to organize a mass boycott against all manufacturers? (You did not hear that here. I never said it.)

Now I'm off to pull the giant wad out of my panties.