Is it Worth Buying Carbon Offsets?

There are many opinions in the debate around buying carbon offsets. As ever, this is a values-led decision that must be made according to the business owners, decision-makers and the brand’s core values.

Carbon offsetting is not the answer. Many organisations believe that buying offsets is the silver bullet that excludes them from needing to any of the hard lifting when it comes to sustainability. But, as the World Economic Forum and Greenpeace conclude - it’s not the answer. It scratches the surface of sustainability and isn’t enough.

Oxford University has created a set of science-based principles for net-zero that have been widely adopted by many organisations. Essentially this means that before you offset, organisations must first prioritise reducing their carbon emissions, else the damage will continue to happen.

Its also important that whatever carbon credit or offsetting scheme is used can evidence the greenhouse gasses they claim to be removed from the atmosphere - there is no statute set to set up a carbon credit company so ensure you’re choosing one that is scientifically validated.

We can all do more for our planet. This is just one small action that is relatively inexpensive and the more of us who partake, the larger the collective impact. We’ve used Ecologi - probably the biggest and most accessible platform for creating impact in this way.

Here’s how Ecologi is evidencing their greenhouse gas removal initiatives.

Buy your carbon offsets and plant trees here - we’ll both get 30 trees free with this link!