commoditization of something that should not be sold

The advent and growth of both carbon offsetting and carbon footprinting are indeed a step in the right direction, especially when implemented on a local scale. We must however realize that the real impact of these sustainment strategies is heavily waited towards public awareness and not real substantive change. These are not the solutions that will allow us to reach the desired end point for us as individuals, communities or our civilization; sustainable living within our environment.

I think there is some intrinsic value in systems that aim to measure carbon footprints; I've been dreaming for a while now about a system that could precisely measure any organization or community's carbon footprint. I've also come to realize that the resulting action from any measurement system must be reduction, not further consumption. This is essentially what carbon offsetting is though; the commoditization of something that should not be sold, the future of our environment.

Let us remember the three R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle); and let us remember why 'reduce' must come first.

I remain hopeful and encouraged to see that everyday people are having these discussions.