As consumers become more environmentally conscious, they look to support businesses that exemplify sustainability in their company. By choosing high-quality carbon credits, you can ensure that your actions have a real and lasting impact on the climate crisis and the global community.
By Michael Gonser
As nations, corporations, and individuals strive to reduce their carbon footprint as the concept of carbon credits has gained prominence. However, it is crucial to recognize that not all carbon credits are created equal. In the corporate sense, companies should prioritize projects that not only offset emissions but also promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
The Basics of Carbon Credits
Carbon credits are a key component of cap-and-trade systems and other market-based approaches aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Essentially, a carbon credit represents a reduction or removal of one metric ton of carbon dioxide (CO2) or its equivalent in other greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere. These credits are generated through projects and initiatives that contribute to emission reductions or carbon sequestration.
Image courtesy of Green Foot Carbon.
What is a Carbon Credit?
Carbon credits are certificates that represent a reduction or removal of one ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) from the atmosphere. By buying carbon credits, you can offset your own emissions. The carbon credits are issued to the carbon credit developer by globally approved registries, such as Social Carbon, Verra, and Gold Standards, after the registry receives verification from an independent third party to verify that all requirements of the program documents have been achieved.
Why Should I Consider Using Carbon Credits?
Humanity has just lived through the hottest 12-month period in at least 125,000 years. The transportation section is one of the largest contributors to emissions, generating 27 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. As a waste management professional, you have a unique opportunity to reduce your environmental impact and contribute to the global fight against climate change. One way to do that is by using carbon credits.
Did You Know Not All Carbon Credits are Created Equal?
Using carbon credits can help you achieve your sustainability goals, improve your reputation, and save money. You can enhance your brand image and attract more customers and investors who value green practices. However, not all carbon credits are created equal. The quality and impact of carbon credits vary depending on the type, location, and standard of the project that generates them. Therefore, it is important to choose carbon credits carefully and wisely.
A high-quality carbon credit could be generated by a project that restores natural forests in a biodiversity hotspot, protects endangered species, and supports the livelihoods of indigenous people. A low-quality carbon credit could be generated by a project that plants monoculture plantations on cleared land, displaces local communities, and uses pesticides and fertilizers.
Let’s Make a Difference
As a waste management professional, you have the power and the responsibility to make a difference in the world. Environmental sustainability, conserving natural resources, and protecting global ecosystems to support health and well-being begins with calculating a company’s footprint. Businesses offset carbon emissions by purchasing carbon credits, which help them get ahead of future regulations and win city contracts. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, they look to support businesses that exemplify sustainability in their company. Customers can join in on the effort through an environmental fee. This collection helps pay for sustainability initiatives or local causes, and customers stay informed and enjoy stickers and promotional items along the way. By choosing high-quality carbon credits, you can ensure that your actions have a real and lasting impact on the climate crisis and the global community. | WA
Michael Gonser is Owner of GDT Marketing, a leading provider of customer acquisition and retention solutions in the waste industry. Over the last 20 years, they have worked with and helped more than 40 garbage companies meet and exceed their industry goals. They help companies properly market their businesses to generate customer loyalty, gain new customer relationships, and remain the top choice in their local or national market. Green Foot Carbon Neutral, is one of GDT’s customer acquisition programs that analyzes current deficits and creates a customized, targeted approach to increase density in a particular area or market. GDT’s sales team, proprietary tools, and software suite apply a perfectly designed approach that meets and exceeds goals—quickly and efficiently. The Referral Program uses the company’s customer base to do the marketing for them. This program rewards customers for referring neighbors and friends to services, increasing word-of-mouth and brand awareness in the community. For more information, visit www.gdtcompanies.com.