Carbon Offsets for Your Private Jet Flying Pal?
by Graham Hill, New York, NY on 10. 8.08
Image credit: RecoilRick
The Big Cheese behind TreeHugger, Graham Hill, hit the Arctic as part of Cape Farewell's 2008 Disko Bay expedition to witness the direct environmental effects of climate change. Packed in snugly on a science research boat with over 40 artists, scientists and rock stars, Graham recounts his journey and the unforgettable moments that made it so meaningful.
On my trip to the Arctic, we spent many a night leisurely dining over good conversation--just one of the perks of being stuck on a boat with a crew of dynamic personalities.
One night, Lori Majewski of dosomething.org discussed a quandary she had found herself in. A well to-do friend was to be married and owned a private jet. She needed to buy him a wedding gift and was considering carbon offsets for his plane. However, she was originally leaning towards not giving the offsets as she thought that that would be effectively giving him permission to keep flying his private jet.
So, dear reader, we pose the following question to you...
If put in Lori's position, would you have given offsets and why or why not?
More on Cape Farewell:
Cape Farewell: A New Expedition Sets Sail
Meet Change Maker David Buckland of Cape Farewell
Pee Filter Runs on Poo: Dean Kamen Offers Solution to Water Needs
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5 Green Coffee Break Tips, Win a Toyota Prius and Cheesecake with Praline Sauce
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If you want to loose a friend buy the offsets. That would be like a slap in the face, not something you do to a friend especially on a day of great joy like a wedding.
It would be fine to help your friend to decide to buy the offsets himself but not to give them as a gift.
Think of it this way, Would like to receive a bottle of mouthwash and a stick of deodorant as a gift on your wedding day.
I don't know what your friend is like, but offsetting flights, especially private jet flights, is an awesome habit to get into. I've been looking into offsetting flights and found a really great organization called EcoJets. They are a fairly new organization that works with the private aviation industry to offset carbon emissions. I hope you figure out what to get your friend. I personally love that you are considering carbon offsets as a gift. Thanks!:)
My only concern is that all this private jet renting is going to damage the environment.