Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), known as carbon offsets or “green tags” are making an international appearance in businesses, communities, and households.  These tags claim to neutralize the carbon dioxide we emit through our day-to-day activities such as driving, taking an airplane ride, or using electricity generated by burning fossil fuels. 

Many energy companies have made carbon offsetting as easy as purchasing regular power. Although purchasing carbon offsets from energy companies is not yet available in Northeast Ohio, consumers can turn to other companies and non-profits that focus on offsetting carbon emissions. For a fee, which varies based on the activity you wish to offset, green tag providers, such as Renewable Choice and GreenTags USA act as an intermediary between renewable energy agencies and the consumer. Airlines and travel sites such as Travelocity, offer carbon offsetting as a fee for service feature similar to upgrading from business to first class. 

To neutralize carbon outputs, green tag purchases contribute towards the development of renewable energy such as wind turbines or photovoltaic arrays.  Often times these purchases are tax deductable or come with other monetary incentives. 

Although the buyers cannot see the results of their purchase, according to the green tag providers, they can rest assured that their green tag purchase will counteract the effects of their pollution-based activity.  Businesses can also purchase green tags for any of their contributions to greenhouse gas emissions. 

Option of last resort

If misused, green tags could allow businesses and individuals to pollute with a clear conscience. Instead of a concerted effort to reduce the amount of emissions, green tags purchasers could pollute endlessly under the assumption that purchasing green tags will absolve them of responsibility. 

Before making the move to purchase green tags, therefore, consumers should ask themselves, “Have I done everything I can to avoid carbon emissions and reduce my consumption?”  This could include biking instead of driving, improving home energy efficiency, or reducing landfill waste through recycling and composting. After the consumer has made the effort to reduce consumption, green tags could replace any remaining carbon emissions. 

For more on the pros and cons of carbon offsetting, go here.