David Suzuki's carbon neutral idea

To solve the problem of climate change, we all need to take account of our personal carbon emissions and make continued efforts to reduce them wherever possible.

...Purchasing high quality carbon offsets from projects such as wind farms also helps support the transition to a sustainable energy economy by providing an additional source of revenue to developers of renewable energy.

While voluntary offset programs should not be seen as a substitute for comprehensive government regulations to reduce greenhouse gases (e.g. through implementation of the Kyoto Protocol), they are a step in the right direction, and an opportunity to demonstrate leadership on climate change.

...If you wish to offset the emissions from electricity, you can use either carbon offsets or a special product known as a "Renewable Energy Certificate" (REC), which is like purchasing renewable energy.

...Airlines and travel agents are starting to offer customers the option to offset their flights, and some airlines are offsetting all of their flights.... Movie studios have offset the emissions from the production of feature films and documentaries, and media companies such as BSkyB and MTV are offsetting the emissions associated with their broadcasts Major conferences (e.g. United Nations World Climate Research Programme) and conventions have offset their emissions Organizations as diverse as as Wells Fargo, Whole Foods, the EPA and the city of Vail, CO have purchased large quantities of renewable energy certificates to offset their electricity use Large companies like HSBC, Swiss Re, and Vancity have committed to making their entire operations carbon neutral Many businesses are now offering carbon neutral products or services, such as carpeting, clothing, flower deliveries, and taxi rides Some utilities are offsetting their emissions and allowing their customers to purchase carbon neutral energy Governments (such as the UK) are offsetting the flights of their employees The World Bank has committed to being carbon neutral Schools and churches are voluntarily offsetting their emissions Rock bands like the Rolling Stones, Coldplay, and Dave Matthews Band have offset the emissions associated with their concerts and albums Many people are now offsetting their weddings (including air travel by guests) The list continues to grow – best-selling books, grocery store chains, and even entire cities are all offsetting their emissions.

...As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, and to demonstrate that taking responsibility for one’s greenhouse gas emissions is straightforward and inexpensive, the David Suzuki Foundation has implemented a carbon neutral program in its offices.... Due to the many problems with tree planting projects, the David Suzuki Foundation only purchases offsets from energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

...Finally, write a letter to your political leaders and let them know you've taken responsibility for your greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage them to enact legislation making it easy for everyone to do so.

While reducing energy use should always be the first priority, purchasing carbon offsets is one way to encourage the transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy, and show your support for action on climate change.