Carbon Offsetting

A growing number of us find it difficult these days not to look at the bigger picture that surrounds our lifestyles, and the internet ensures that there is no excuse for ignorance or 'gaps' in our knowledge. Information on anything that interests you is at your finger tips. Environmental issues can be notoriusly difficult to relate to, but in the Cook Islands global warming has hit home in a big way. In 2005 five devastating cyclones ripped through the islands in the space of five weeks - traditionally the Cooks could expect one such cyclone every 20 years. Coral bleaching, changing seasons and rising sea levels are all evident - many of the Northern Group barely rise 5m above sea level.

Blue Ventures is an award winning, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to marine conservation, education and sustainable development in tropical coastal communities. Their research and observations on the changing environment around Andavadoaka, Madagascar inspired them to setup their own carbon offset projects to address anthropogenic effects on the environment.

BV Carbon Offset is currently running an energy efficient and solar stove programme in Andavadoaka, Madagascar, and hoping to replicate it in other rural villages in the region. Their projects are sustainable, independent, verified, not for profit, and benefit communities in the following ways:

• Economic improvement - job provision and reduced fuel costs.
• Health improvements - reduced smoke related illnesses.
• Environmental improvements - reduced deforestation and reduced carbon emissions.

We will be using Blue Ventures to offset our own carbon emissions generated by our travels this year. The journey from London to Auckland will emit a total of 2765.312kg of carbon.

• Equivalent to 92 Televisions being left on standby for a whole year (Rainforest Concern).
• A 25 year old forest of 405 pine trees would need a whole year to absorb our total emissions.

Blue Ventures Carbon Offset

Auckland > Cook Islands
3010.4 Km using 0.125 Kg of Carbon per Km.
A total of 376.300 Kg of Carbon
At £12 per 1000Kg that will cost £4.52 per flight

Cook Islands > San Francisco
7647.3 Km using 0.14 Kg of Carbon per Km
A total of 1070.622 Kg of Carbon
At £12 per 1000Kg that will cost £12.85 per flight

San Francisco > Washington D.C.
3926.8 Km using 0.125 Kg of Carbon per Km
A total of 490.850 Kg of Carbon
At £12 per 1000Kg that will cost £5.89 per flight

Washington D.C. > London
5911.0 Km using 0.14 Kg of Carbon per Km
A total of 827.540 Kg of Carbon
At £12 per 1000Kg that will cost £9.93 per flight