When it comes to the environment almost everything you do has a side effect. Mowing your lawn, even brewing a cup of coffee can pump carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. That's where the concept of carbon offsetting comes in. Simply put, you look for ways to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by the same amount you create. At the end of the day your net impact should be zero.
At The Coffee Connection, energy is used everywhere. From the trucks that transport the coffee, to the machines that roast and brew it. It adds up fast. 4.3 pounds of carbon is produced for each pound of coffee consumers drink. They're trying to offset that carbon footprint by doing something good for the environment. But offsets alone won't fix the problem, so many are finding other ways to equalize the amount of pollution they create. Ben Munson and Kristin Cox have changed the way they live.They have taken their mission to the web.Their site is called theurbanhomesteaders.com. They started indoors by making their older home more energy efficient.Then they moved outside where they're composting. It's a great way to keep waste out of landfills.They've also started using push powered mowers, instead gasoline powered ones.That one move can have a big impact. Gas powered lawn equipment accounts for 5% of the nation's air pollution. Kristin and Ben hope all the little things they're doing will inspire others.