Debunking the myths of Carbon Footprints, Carbon Offsetting and Green Energy Tariffs

Carbon Footprints, Carbon Offsetting and Green Energy Tariffs are all terms that have been hijacked by commercial organisations to lure us into buying their products as they are ‘greener’ that anyone else’s. Here’s why we should all question the rash claims made.

Carbon Footprints: We know that this is a metaphorical representation of how much carbon we use. But the truth of the matter is that there is no way of truly measuring how much carbon we use, as all have unique lives that will use all manner of carbon-based energy that we have no control the original source of the energy. Without this control, we have no way of knowing how the energy was extracted, whether it was extracted efficiently, and therefore its carbon content. Most homes have gas and electricity, and run at least one car. Every time you fill up at a different fuel station you are changing the ‘source’. Every time you shop at a different shop, eat at a different restaurant, or drink in a different pub, you will be directly or indirectly consuming differing sources of energy. So let’s assume that you can track all the different providers that you come into contact with. How would you calculate the carbon content of the fuel expended? You may say that this doesn’t matter because Carbon Footprint is only designed to give you an indication of the relative use of energy. Fair point, except that where we’re being encouraged to offset Carbon, how can you truly do this if you don’t truly know how much Carbon you’re using?

Carbon Offsetting: Let’s assume that we can measure the amount of Carbon used. Should you offset? Well, yes of course it helps, but there are two issues. Offsetting doesn’t not discourage waste, or encourage efficiency; it simply salves your conscience. Also if everyone were to offset there wouldn’t be anywhere to put all the trees, and as it doesn’t encourage energy preservation, the planet will still run out of oil millions of years before any trees planted will yield some fresh supplies. Many companies make claims to be Carbon Neutral to impress us into thinking they are green, and good to do business with. I would say that this would be very, very, difficult to prove, so it’s a hollow claim.

Green Energy Tariffs
Many power companies are offering ‘green energy’. Usually at a premium. This may give you the impression that your energy is coming from renewable sources but the reality is that your power will be coming from the same old carbon powered station that it always has, you’ll just be paying more for it! You could argue that this doesn’t matter because the extra money that we are paying is being invested in renewables. But the reality is that it means that we are paying for the research and development budgets of already rich companies that should be funding and securing their own futures from the billions of pounds of profit that they already make.

The only way to reduce our carbon footprints is to use less energy and be more energy efficient. Period. Don't believe the hype.