Find out what is carbon neutrality, how to become carbon neutral and how much it costs to become carbon neutral.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the main sources of greenhouse gases and contributes greatly (and unfortunately) to climate change on our planet. You will probably be surprised to learn that the average person generates six tons of carbon dioxide per year. So you can imagine that with the emissions from small and large businesses, the total is much higher. However, whether you are an individual or a company, every little bit you can do can make a big difference and it is never too late to do your part by becoming carbon neutral.
If you want to know more about the environment and carbon neutrality, keep reading. You will learn what carbon neutrality is, how to become carbon neutral and how much it costs to become carbon neutral.
What is carbon neutrality?
In its simplest form, carbon neutral simply means having a neutral carbon footprint, given the combination of the words “carbon” and “neutral”.
Although the term is becoming more and more popular, very few people know the definition of the terms “carbon neutral” and “carbon neutrality”.
In its simplest form, carbon neutral simply means having a neutral carbon footprint, given the combination of the words “carbon” and “neutral”.
More specifically, being carbon neutral is the state of an organization or individual having succeeded in reducing its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to zero or offsetting those that could not be reduced.
Since it is extremely difficult in our modern world to avoid 100% of our greenhouse gas emissions, most people and organizations will need to engage in offsetting activities in order to become carbon neutral.
Trees are very important players in carbon neutrality, since they use carbon dioxide from the air around them to produce their energy. In order to offset our carbon dioxide emissions, we can therefore plant trees that capture the amount equivalent to our emissions.
The result: Less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
How to become carbon neutral?
The first step to carbon neutrality
All of these environmental terms can seem complicated at first.
You are probably wondering how you are going to calculate your greenhouse emissions to start with and then plant dozens of trees!
With the help of an organization like Carbon Neutrality, everything becomes very easy.
First, you can already change some daily habits to reduce your CO2 emissions.
Obviously, the context differs for companies and individuals, but the process remains very simple in both cases.
How to become carbon neutral if you are an individual?
As mentioned above, greenhouse gas emissions add up very quickly through our daily activities.
As an individual, the first and simplest step to take towards your carbon neutrality consists of simple daily actions to reduce your carbon footprint.
Here are some examples of actions that will help reduce your carbon footprint as an individual:
- Choose energy-saving light bulbs
- Switch off your electrical appliances when you are not using them
- Consume less
- Use less hot water
- Learn about good recycling practices
- Start composting
- Don’t let the car engine run for no reason
- Carpool when possible
- Use eco-friendly modes of transport when you can
- Shop local
- Etc.
How to make your business carbon neutral?
As a business, regardless of your sector of activity, you can make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by becoming carbon neutral.
Many small businesses believe that they are not among the giant polluters.
And they are right!
However, they all have a carbon footprint.
As with individuals, companies can take giant steps with small daily changes, such as educating their employees about this issue.
Here are some actions that will help your business reduce its carbon footprint:
- Recycle
- Reuse what you can (material, devices, etc.)
- Create a carpooling program for your employees
- Use public transport for business trips when possible
- Travel only when essential
- Invest in energy efficient lighting systems
- Implement composting
- Encourage telework to limit travel
- Etc.
The second step to carbon neutrality
Although you can change your lifestyle and the way you work (for businesses), your carbon footprint probably won’t be zero yet.
Of course, you could decide to plant trees yourself to offset your emissions.
However, it will be difficult to be precise, not to mention all the work that would be required.
In addition, it is not really easy to find trees and the land to plant them. How can you make sure that the trees you plant will live and capture carbon dioxide for 150 years? Will you be there to make sure your trees capture the predicted CO2?
In short, it’s a little more complicated to do it yourself.
This is where carbon neutrality firms come into play.
By asking you a few questions, we are able to calculate how much CO2 you or your business emit each year.
Then, using established data, we can establish how many trees need to be planted to offset your emissions.
Trees will be planted in sufficient numbers while following a very strict protocol.
This is the most economical and easy way to become carbon neutral.
How much does it cost to become carbon neutral?
The compensation price for a ton of CO2 is $28 for plantations in the boreal forest or $35 for agricultural plantations with a rebate of $7 per ton for farmers.
Find out your carbon footprint for free here!
Obviously, the price will first depend on how you decide to become carbon neutral and/or which carbon neutrality firm you will choose.
At Carbon Neutrality, as indicated in our FAQ, the compensation price for a ton of CO2 is $28 for plantations in the boreal forest or $35 for agricultural plantations with a rebate of $7 per ton for farmers.
We add a fixed rate to small polluters and a variable rate to larger ones.
Wether you are an individual or a company, you will probably be really surprised to discover that it is really not that expensive to become carbon neutral!
I am ready to become carbon neutral!
Ready to become carbon neutral? Congratulations!
The next step is to complete our free carbon footprint assessment form or contact us. We will be glad to guide you in the process of achieving carbon neutrality.
We can also answer all your questions.
Talk to you soon!