On Sun, 08 Jul 2007 21:33:59 -0400, George
wrote:

Smitty Two wrote:
In article ,
"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/liv...rticle_id=4667
75&in_page_id=1879
The TODAY show had a segment about saving energy and using energy (carbon
imprint" surveys. Lester Holt had an audit of his office. It all seemed to
make sense, but when Lester asked the guy how you could improve, the guy
said "you can donate money to buy carbon offsets". He lost all credibility
when he said that.

That may be because you don't understand what he meant by that remark.
Those donations go to support the construction and operation of solar,
wind, and hydro plants. Basically, AIUI, the money goes to an
"insurance" fund that guarantees that the power generated by "clean"
plants will be purchased, thereby removing the risk from those who build
them. So if you're not reducing your own carbon footprint on an
individual basis, you're still supporting the cause in a very real way.

Carbon credits are just feel good stuff. If someone is wasting energy
carbon credits may make them feel good but they are still wasting energy.

You're absolutely right. Just like if you don't exercise and eat
right you're not accomplishing anything when you give money to a poor
family so they can buy food, or when you give money to pay for medical
research, or to build a hospital or to furnish one room in one.

That's why I never give anyone anything. I know it's just a fraud to
make myself feel good even though I myself don't live the best
possible life. I refuse to be part of such a fraud.

Its the same sad logic Ford uses when they pitch dolled up 5 ton trucks
for use as personal vehicles and claim they use less gasoline because
they are E85 capable. Overall they still use more fuel than is necessary .

Here I agree with you.