When I first found out about TerraPass, I became intrigued by the idea of investing in carbon-free energy production projects to offset the carbon emissions spewed from my vehicle’s tailpipe. I used the online calculator on the TerraPass home page to figure out how many pounds of greenhouse gases my non-hybrid Honda emits annually (11,000!), and bought a TerraPass. For 50 bucks, I was then able to drive without guilt, which sure beat making another 5 years of car payments to trade up to a Prius!

In the May 2006 issue of Wired, TerraPass is mentioned along with Carbon Fund and Climate Care as examples of carbon offset programs. I think purchasing carbon offsets makes sense as part of a ‘grab bag’ of sustainable strategies we can use to minimize our impact on our environment. I like that these non-profits are using the market system to effect positive change, investing in companies that exemplify this pro-tech, ‘eco-capitalist’ ethic. Eco-yuppies everywhere can put their money where their sentiments lie.

So, I used the Carbon Fund calculator to figure out my estimated total carbon impact, and donated slightly more than the suggested amount to Carbon Fund. (It’s even tax-deductible!) Between TerraPass and Carbon Fund, I estimate that I am more than offsetting my personal greenhouse emissions. I am not just carbon neutral, but carbon negative.

That’s kinda cool.