Feeling Overwhelmed?

You’re not alone. With so much information—confusing stats, contradictory advice, and urgent headlines—it’s easy to feel stuck.

We’re here to cut through the noise. To simplify the science, ground the solutions, and help regular people make a real difference.

Why Focus on Greenhouse Gases?

Because they’re the single biggest driver of climate change—and the one thing we all contribute to, no matter where we live or how we live.

Reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) is:

  • Accessible – Anyone can take part, even with small steps.
  • Urgent – Every extra ton of CO₂e traps more heat.
  • Universal – All climate solutions—from food systems to energy policy—intersect with emissions.

The Basics

What You Need to Know

What’s a carbon footprint?

It’s the total amount of greenhouse gases your daily life produces—measured in CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent), which rolls all GHGs into one standard unit.

Why “CO₂e”?

Because it includes other powerful gases like methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), adjusted to reflect how much heat they trap compared to CO₂.

A helpful metaphor

Think of the atmosphere like a bathtub with a very slow drain. We’re pouring carbon into it way faster than it can drain out. To stop the tub from overflowing, we need to turn down the faucet (reduce emissions) and scoop out water (remove existing carbon).

Reduction vs. Removal

Both are essential. Neither is enough on its own.

Reduction/Avoidance

Cutting emissions before they happen—like switching to solar energy or flying less.

Removal/Drawdown

Pulling carbon out of our oceans and atmosphere—through reforestation, ocean-based solutions, or advanced tech like direct air capture.

Aren’t Offsets Just Greenwashing?

Greenwashing — when a person, company, or organization pretends to be environmentally responsible without actually making meaningful changes. It’s all about looking green while continuing business as usual — such as buying cheap carbon credits while ramping up fossil fuel use.

They can be. Especially when:

  • The offset project isn’t real, permanent, or verifiable
  • It would have happened anyway (not “additional”)
  • It causes harm to local communities or ecosystems
  • The buyer treats it like a “get out of jail free” card, instead of changing their behavior

That’s why we only support high-quality offsets that meet rigorous standards:

  • Additional (wouldn’t happen without your support)
  • Measurable and permanent
  • Socially and environmentally responsible
  • Transparent and third-party verified

And we follow the Oxford Offsetting Principles:

  • Reduce emissions first

  • Shift to carbon removal

  • Focus on long-term storage

  • Support better systems overall

Offsets are not a silver bullet. They’re not an excuse to keep polluting.

But when used responsibly, as part of a larger strategy that includes reducing emissions and pushing for systemic change, they can be a powerful way to repair the damage we’ve already done—and fund a better future.

Reclaiming the Idea of a “Personal Carbon Footprint”

Yes—BP helped popularize the term to shift blame off big polluters. But we believe in reclaiming the idea. When used as a tool, your footprint can be a source of agency, not shame.

You’re not expected to solve the climate crisis alone. But you can be part of the solution—and inspire others along the way.

Built on Trust

We’ve vetted every project we support—organizations like Cool Effect, Gold Standard, TerraPass, and ECOTIERRA—based on effectiveness, transparency, and co-benefits for local communities.

We’re committed to transparency, honesty, and impact.

SEE OUR PARTNERS