Reply #21: I think buying offsets is good ...

[silverlib]

I'm not rich - not even close -

I purchased a terrapass for for my 1999 van - because I can't afford a new hybrid (or any new vehicle) although I could afford the $50 offset.

Buying offsets creates more availability. Of course society needs to encourage slowing down our footprints and thanks to Gore, this is happening. The more solar panels, energy efficient light bulbs, etc. are sold, the lower the price will be for those who cannot afford it.

My moral responsibility involves giving to charitable organizations to feed the poor and house the homeless. The poor do not use up our "energy" like the more affluent. Buying them a solar panel would not keep them from going to bed hungry. Supporting energy price relief to those who cannot afford heat is also important. In paying for offsets, we can help bring the price down so that we can do this in a more earth friendly manner.

Any good thing can be misused. Discouraging buying offsets is just as much a "misuse" of the practice as the rich buying them without taking steps to decrease their footprint. And I honestly don't expect to see many of the Neocons buying offsets or decreasing their footprint on the earth.

I wish I had the talent to express this in a more logical and passionate manner.