In 2024, for the first time, I realized I could become carbon neutral. Which begged so many new questions. Does everyone know (am I stupid)? How is my carbon footprint calculated? How does buying 100% renewable energy work? What are offsets? Do my investments really reduce CO2? Who runs these markets?

I did a little research then asked my friends and family what they knew. I got a lot of blank stares. Next, I assembled a package of information about using Green-e Power from our local utility to be a carbon neutral household, and walked a copy around to each of my 26 nearest neighbors. Several have EVs and like me, hybrid vehicles, so have started the journey to carbon zero already. I asked them to join me. They get to decide.

I did one last test run with my bowling league friends. At our end of the season meeting, after the cash was passed out, when everyone was done with the formalities and had a drink in hand, I asked for 2 minutes of their time to tell them about something they might be interested in (and it wasn’t a pyramid scheme pitch). I gave my spiel, handed out the same package of materials I had given my neighbors, thanked them and sat back down. Again plenty of blank stares, but also questions and a couple of people thanked me!

Driven by obsession, it still gnawed at me that so few people had any idea that carbon neutrality was available to all. Just then, fate stepped in and my infinitely talented, globe-trotting daughter came for a rare visit last Summer and suggested an informational website might be next. More research and development and we launched this site. 

Thank you for taking an interest! -RST