Some people call it the “guilt sticker for gas guzzlers,” but there’s good science and good economics behind it. TerraPass is a for-profit company that invests in clean energy and CO2-reduction projects. Their website lets you calculate how much carbon dioxide your car emits in a year, then charges you the amount of money it costs to get rid of that much carbon dioxide.
When you purchase a TerraPass, we pool your funds with other TerraPass members and invest them in clean energy projects that are guaranteed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in an amount proportional to those put out by your car.
Here’s a neat little series of graphics from their main page to explain how it works:
Your car emits 10,000 lbs (three times its weight!) in carbon dioxide each year.
You enroll in TerraPass.
TerraPass members finance projects that reduce greenhouse gases.
Your TerraPass purchase is certified to eliminate the equivalent of your car’s CO2 emissions.
I just bought the Standard Level sticker, to offset the 15,000 or so miles we drive in our Saturn each year.
What do you think of this? Check out their site (especially the FAQ) and let me know. I learned about the TerraPass via this Wired article.