there’s no such thing as a free offset
New York Post [Page Six] - February 27, 2007
Penance For Gas Guzzlers
HOLLYWOOD’S wealthy liberals can now avoid any guilt they might feel
for consuming so much non-renewable fossil fuel in their private
jets, their SUVs, and their multiple air-conditioned mansions. This
year’s Oscar goodie bag contained gift certificates representing
100,000 pounds of greenhouse gas reductions from TerraPass, which
describes itself as a “carbon offset retailer.” The 100,000 pounds
“are enough to balance out an average year in the life of an Academy
Award presenter,” a press release from TerraPass asserts. “For
example, 100,000 pounds is the total amount of carbon dioxide created
by 20,000 miles of driving, 40,000 miles on commercial airlines, 20
hours in a private jet and a large house in Los Angeles. The
greenhouse gas reductions will be accomplished through
TerraPass’ [program] of verified wind energy, cow power [collecting
methane from manure] and efficiency projects.” Voila, guilt-free
consumption! It reminds us of the era when rich Catholics paid the
church for “dispensations” that would shorten their terms in Purgatory.