Live Earth Pledge

Former Vice President Al Gore wants everyone to sign the seven-point Live Earth Pledge. But first, everyone must "Answer The Call." That requires the following:

- I will change four light bulbs to CFLs at my home.

- I will shop for the most energy efficient electronics and appliances.

- I will shut off my equipment and lights whenever I'm not using them.

- I will ride public transit or carpool one or more times per week.

- I will forward a Live Earth email message to 5 friends.

- Add my name to the Live Earth pledge.

Apparently, after the call has been answered, people must raise their right hands and recite the following Live Earth Pledge.

1. To demand that my country join an international treaty within the next 2 years that cuts global warming pollution by 90% in developed countries and by more than half worldwide in time for the next generation to inherit a healthy earth;

2. To take personal action to help solve the climate crisis by reducing my own CO2 pollution as much as I can and offsetting the rest to become "carbon neutral;"

3. To fight for a moratorium on the construction of any new generating facility that burns coal without the capacity to safely trap and store the CO2;

4. To work for a dramatic increase in the energy efficiency of my home, workplace, school, place of worship, and means of transportation;

5. To fight for laws and policies that expand the use of renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on oil and coal;

6. To plant new trees and to join with others in preserving and protecting forests; and,

7. To buy from businesses and support leaders who share my commitment to solving the climate crisis and building a sustainable, just, and prosperous world for the 21st century.

Regarding No. 2 above, here's some guidance.

So let's say you are an average American emitting about 20 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year and manage to cut your emissions in half -- that still leaves you having to offset 10 tonnes a year to become "carbon neutral." You can plant trees to soak up emissions but they take time to grow.

Climatecare.org, which allows you to invest in renewable energies or forest plantings to soak up emissions, advertises offsets costing about $150 for 10 tonnes.

There you go. Just figure out how much carbon dioxide you are personally responsible for and send a check. If you've got lots of cash, send it in and don't worry about a thing. Presto simple!

I think I'll become an offsetter. A mailing address will be posted when I work out the details. I anticipate offering a "Two tons of carbon offset for the price of one" Grand Opening Special for the business. And to assure that offsettees' carbon footprints are kept confidential, I expect to deal exclusively in precious gems, gold coins and cash.

Keep checking back for information on how you can become carbon neutral inexpensively the Interested-Participant way. I guarantee a cheaper price than any other carbon neutrality provider (CNP).