Here is a list of the top 10 green energy purchasers compiled by the EPA’s Green Power Partnership.
PepsiCo (various sources) — 100% power
Whole Foods (solar, wind) — 105% power
Dell (biogas, solar, wind) — 158% power
The Pepsi Bottling Group (various sources) — 100% power
U.S. EPA (biogas, biomass, geothermal, wind) — 100% power
Pepsi Americas (various) — 100% power
Vail Resorts (wind) — 100% power
The World Bank (wind) — 100% power
Mowhawk Fine Papers (wind) — 100% power
The Dannon Company (wind) — 100% power
As you may know, “Clean Energy Purchasing” is different than using Clean Energy. In most cases, companies use dirty energy and then “offset” that energy usage by purchasing “Carbon Offsets.”
A carbon offset allows you to make up for an unavoidable carbon output by investing in a project that avoids or captures greenhouse gas emissions somewhere else. Examples of offset projects include solar and wind power, forestry investments and the collection of methane from landfills or farms. Some offsets pay for helping schools and other facilities become more energy efficient.
While this sounds like a good idea, some people call this a “Sin Tax” that allows companies and consumers to continue living a high carbon lifestyle while offsetting their guilt.
Thoughts?
Source: Al’s Journal 
photo credit: woodleywonderworks
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