What is your Carbon Footprint all about?
A carbon footprint is "the total set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by an organization, an event (such as travelling) or a product.” Carbon Dioxide is one of the main greenhouse gasses responsible for global warming.
To help combat this The Nomad African Trust has developed the Spekboom Carbon Offset project to allow subscribers of the programme to offset the carbon created during a variety of activities.
During photosynthesis carbon is absorbed from the atmosphere, reducing the unnaturally high levels that mankind has caused. The planting of trees and vegetation is a key and sustainable way to offset carbon. One of the best plants when it comes to carbon absorption is the Spekboom (or Elephant’s Food as it is commonly known).
This project can be tailored to meet a wide range of carbon offset requirements and settings. Two examples of this are the “Green Seats “Green Beds” packages that have been specifically designed to give tourists the opportunity to enjoy a carbon neutral stay holiday.
What is Spekboom? 
Spekboom is an evergreen succulent shrub that can reach a height of 2,5m and occurs mainly in the South-Eastern Cape, especially around Baviaanskloof and the Addo Elephant National Park. It has enormous carbon storing capabilities and its capacity to offset harmful carbon emissions is equivalent to that of moist, subtropical forest. The use of Spekboom delivers the most value for money in carbon capturing terms, and it also has the most significant ecological benefits in terms of replenishing degraded areas.
How does it work?
The first and most important step in the carbon offset process is determining what carbon emissions have been created. We provide this service for a number of activities such as flights, car rental and accommodation, but other factors are not beyond our scope. Many clients choose to use online carbon calculators to ensure impartiality however and simply provide us with the kg's of carbon they would like to offset.
Tourism clients are able to choose to offset their carbon footprints when booking their tour accommodation by choosing to buy a “Green Seat” or a “Green Bed”.
Tour agents may sell either “Green Seats” or “Green Beds” to their clients under licence from us and we will provide the participating agents with the following logos to be used on their marketing material, brochures and website:
Once the funds have been paid to us and the per hectare planting price has been achieved we then distribute funding to our implementation partners in the selected planting areas and planting begins.
All the funds that are collected are administered by The Nomad African Trust who manages the project in conjunction with the Department of Water Affairs and the Rhodes University. Participants will be issued with an e-certificate with further details and verification contact options. Please be aware that “Green Beds Green Seats” are not tradable Carbon Credits and are purely used for Carbon Offsetting purposes.
What does this all mean?
This project not only reduces global warming but also benefits the local ecosystems by protecting the soil, reducing water loss and improving bio-diversity. In addition to this the project employs members of the local communities and positively affects people’s standard of living.
Carbon offsetting is an excellent vehicle for cementing your company’s environmental commitment and your commitment to sustainable business. This is a great way to improve your company’s market profile and competitiveness.
Still want more info? Click here to get the low-down.
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