1. Learn more about carbon offsets and discuss four examples of how businesses are using them. In your opinion, are these companies embracing the societal marketing concept?

2. One criticism of carbon offsetting is that companies are not really helping the environmental by changing their own behavior; instead they’re merely buying “environmental pardons.” Do you think carbon offsets are a responsible solution to environmental concerns? Write a brief essay debating this issue.

Did you drive a car today? Use a laptop computer? Buy a product in a store? If so, you emitted carbon dioxide (CO2) and created a carbon footprint. All of us do that every day. Individuals and companies emit carbon dioxide in everyday activities. Many consumers feel bad about doing this; others expect companies to take action. What’s the answer? Reducing carbon emissions is one solution, but another one is to offset your carbon emissions by purchasing carbon offsets and renewable energy certificates (RECs). Individual consumers do this, and companies are flocking to purchase carbon offsets for themselves or to offer to their customers, resulting in an estimated $100 million market. And experts predict exponential growth over the next few years. Airlines routinely offer flyers the option of paying a few extra dollars to offset their carbon emissions. For example, JetBlue Airways introduced its Jetting to Green program that allows flyers to make their flight “carbon-neutral” for as little as $2.00. Flyers’ donations will then support reforestation, wind, and waste management projects.