Innovation
Recognizing a venture that has changed the landscape of responsible tourism through sheer creativity
The Carbonneutral Company
Just a few years ago, the concept of carbon neutrality (offsetting carbon- dioxide emissions through reforestation or clean-technology investments) was virtually unknown outside the realm of environmentalists. Today, the term carbon neutral is part of our general lexicon—thanks, in large part, to the savvy marketing efforts of the London-based CarbonNeutral Company.
In 1998, CarbonNeutral (then called Future Forests) began creating "celebrity forests," such as Leonardo DiCaprio's plot in Mexico, where individuals can dedicate trees to counter their own CO2 output. A few years later, it started pairing with popular bands (Coldplay and Massive Attack, among others) to offset their tour-related emissions. These much-publicized tactics, which also included building a carbon calculator on the company Web site, demonstrated that combating global warming can be as simple as planting a tree—a rallying message to a public in danger of becoming apathetic. As jury member Joseph Stiglitz noted, "Making individuals aware of their contributions to global warming is important in itself, but providing a framework where a person takes responsibility for his actions is perhaps more so."
An entire industry devoted to CO2 reduction has now developed, and CarbonNeutral remains at the forefront, promoting both reforestation and cutting-edge clean technology around the world.
CARBONNEUTRAL CALCULATOR
in the air
One flight from New York Kennedy to Los Angeles International
Produces 979 pounds of CO2
Offset equivalent: Plant 2 trees
One flight from San Francisco International to Beijing Capital
Produces 2,340 pounds of CO2
Offset equivalent: Plant 3 trees
One flight from Boston Logan to Paris Charles de Gaulle
Produces 1,363 pounds of CO2
Offset equivalent: Plant 3 trees
at home
If you drive 350 miles a week...
...you produce 15,278 pounds of CO2 per year
If your monthly electricity bill is $85...
...you produce 15,645 pounds of CO2 per year
If your monthly gas bill is $130...
...you produce 21,285 pounds of CO2 per year
GRAND HOUSEHOLD TOTAL
52,208 pounds of CO2 per year
Offset equivalent: Plant 32 trees
Find out how your next flight will impact the environment: CarbonNeutral Company's CO2 calculator
