pearcey's profile

Many companies are now offering to "offset" emissions from activities such as flying - this means that they promise to invest your money in reducing emissions in other countries. However, it is vitally important that we in the UK reduce our own emissions - and offsetting should not be used as an excuse for people or companies in the UK to continue high-carbon or polluting activities that could easily be avoided. Another concern is that there are no clear rules to guarantee that offset providers are selling genuine emission reductions. WWF recommends that if you do use an offsetting scheme, make sure it is certified to the Gold Standard, an independent scheme set up to make sure that emission reduction projects are truly sustainable. Some offset providers that offer Gold Standard schemes include Myclimate, Atmosfair and Climate Friendly.

Fly-tipping costs local authorities alone almost £50m a year to clear up, so make the effort to separate your waste and recycle where possible.