Offset for free

AUSTRALIAN drivers are being encouraged to offset their CO2 emissions – for free – using a Green Road campaign run in conjunction with the not-for-profit organisation GreenFleet and mapping website Whereis.com.

Until August 6, motorists can enter details of their road trip on Whereis.com, which will calculate the estimated CO2 emissions.

Up to 200km worth of emissions will then be offset with GreenFleet through the planting of trees. The organisers expect to offset approximately 4700 tonnes of CO2 and to see more more than 17,700 trees being planted.

“Australians are among the worst offenders with extremely high rates of carbon emissions per capita causing global warming and serious environmental consequences,” said GreenFleet spokesman Duncan Bridge.

“Driving just 200km each week will produce almost three tonnes of greenhouse gases each year.

“And while we recommend reducing the number of journeys made by car, carbon offsetting is an easy way for their negative impacts to be neutralised.” More details can be found on www.theGreenRoad.com.au.