Carbon Offset Programs: Feeling Guilty About A Carbon Footprint? There's An App For That

Amid greater emphasis on being eco-conscious, new services have recently launched to counterbalance the environmental effects that can’t be avoided in life: carbon offsetting.

The basic premise of these services is that they calculate a person’s carbon footprint and then allow users to donate money proportional to their environmental impact.

That funding then goes toward projects that mitigate climate change. Carbon capture programs, such as those planting forests, are popular. Another common aim is the development and implementation of technologies that make industries like agriculture more efficient.

While the industry of carbon offset services still remains relatively low-profile publicly, it already boasts a variety of specialized services.

Terrapass’ calculator allows individuals and businesses to calculate a carbon offset for specific events in addition to regular offsets. Its projects are focused on emissions and energy, reducing methane and advocating for cleaner energy solutions.

Sustainable Travel International is another specialized service, this time targeting tourism. Those concerned about the impact of a flight can enter the number of people, distance and travel class to learn the trip’s carbon impact and compensate for it.

For general purposes, Native is a standout. Largely courting businesses, the public benefit corporation boasts over two decades of operations and a broad portfolio of projects. Whatever the type of environmental effort, odds are it can be found among those Native funds.

Another notable option is the Wren Climate fund. While a more recent addition than alternatives, its smaller project portfolio is focused almost on forestry and ecology. It also offers the ability to calculate the carbon impact of cryptocurrency interactions, a growing environmental concern among activists and politicians.