Offset your car's emissions
Greenhouse gas from cars is a serious problem. Transport in total releases around 76 million tonnes of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions - about 13.5 per cent of our total emissions. You can help offset your car emissions.
Check your greenhouse gas emissions
Fuels differ in the amount of carbon and energy they contain, and car engines differ in their efficiency as well. Every model of car and type of fuel causes different amounts of greenhouse emissions.
You can calculate your own greenhouse gas emissions via:
- Greenhouse gas emissions calculator
- Green Vehicle Guide (for models after 2004)
Offset your emissions
There are two ways you can offset your carbon emissions:
- Plant some trees.
- Pay someone to plant enough trees to absorb your emitted carbon dioxide (CO2).
These are quick, effective and convenient ways of cancelling out your car use.
A number of companies offer this service. Some are non-profit and others are commercial businesses. The cost of offsetting CO2 varies from $9 to $13 per tonne.
Invest in renewable energy sources
When you invest in renewable power generation, you are helping build a sustainable future. Some companies offer this service. This can cost you approximately $21 per tonne of CO2 offset. You can also talk to your stockbroker about buying shares in environmentally responsible companies.
More information
See these resources for more information about offsetting emissions:
Why do it?
- Take responsibility for your driving
- Help save the planet for future generations
Did you know?
- For every litre of petrol you use in your car, 2.3 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2), a major greenhouse gas, is released from your exhaust.
- The average motorist travels about 15,000 kilometres per year.
Page last modified: 25 May 2010