At the April meeting, in honor of Earth Day, I presented some information on Carbon Offset programs and renewable electric energy. While many of us would love to drive long-range plug-in hybrids or electric cars, until they are readily available here are some links for further information:

Carbonfund.org is a non-profit organization selling carbon offsets to your production of greenhouse gasses.

terrapass is a commercial site also selling offsets.

Both terrapass and Carbonfund.org are audited, so you are buying more than a promise. For more on carbon offsets, see this Environmental News Network list. Carbon offsets are controversial, some argue that buying an offset does not reduce production and may even increase it since there is no moral penalty for polluting. Others agree with the philosophy of Carbonfund.org: Reduce what you can, offset what you can't.

One way of directly influencing the amount of greenhouse gasses you produce, in addition to driving an HSD vehicle, is to purchase "green" electricity. While electricity is fungible, and electrons, amps, and volts are the same no matter their source, you can specify to Portland General Electric or Clark Public Utilities where you want your kilowatts to come from. PGE offers several Renewable Power options. CPU offers Green Lights to support the development of clean, earth-friendly electricity.

Many people prefer natural gas for cooking and space and water heating. Now Northwest Natural is offering Smart Energy and a way to reduce excess carbon from gas use. Biogas from the 120,000 cows in Oregon is a natural resource too good to waste.