If you're flying or driving to your vacation destination offset those CO2 emissions your trip generates by purchasing carbon credits.

First you'll need to calculate how much you'll need to buy. There are a number of carbon calculators out there, but if you're looking to figure out your emissions for a single trip check out TerraPass or Carbonfund.org. Unlike other carbon calculators that help you find your yearly carbon footprint, these two sites offer simple per trip calculators. After a couple of clicks, you'll find out the approximate CO2 emissions of your trip and can then easily purchase credits. UK based climatmundi is good for international, country hoppers.

Some airlines are already getting into the travel offset realm, like Scandinavian Airline SAS, and travel website Expedia which recently partnered with TerraPass to give customers the option of offsetting their travel at the time of checkout.

Why offset? Global warming of course! In her post, Introduction to Carbon Credits, GO's Maria Surma Manka sums it up pretty well:

Carbon dioxide (CO2) – a major contributor to global warming – is emitted when we drive, when we fly, or when we flip the light switch (if the electricity comes from fossil fuels, which most of it does). We’re moving slowly toward a renewable energy system, but not fast enough for a lot of us. So one way to cut through the bureaucratic mess holding back 60 mpg vehicles and lots of clean electricity is to become carbon neutral yourself…

One can invest in an organization, activity, or event that reduces the carbon dioxide spewing into the atmosphere. Carbon credits range from tree planting (trees absorb or “breathe” carbon dioxide) to donating to an organization that develops solar ovens in Africa that don’t need to burn wood (and release carbon) to cook food.

And remember you can win wind credits to offset your daily CO2 emissions by suggesting a Tip o' the Day.

Amy says: I just took a trip to Seattle from NYC. According to the TerraPass calculator my 4,807 mile flight was equal to 1,874 lbs of CO2. For $9.95 I was able to offset my trip. The $9.95 covers 2,500 lbs of CO2 - so the extra should cover my transport to and from the airports.

More from Maria Surma Manka on Carbon Credits:

Introduction to Carbon Credits

Options for Calculating Your Carbon Offsets

The Green Options Interview: Eric Carlson of Carbonfund.org

The Green Options Interview: Erik Blachford, CEO of TerraPass

More from GO:

Renewable Energy Credits (REC)

Leave No Trace - And No Carbon Footprint - When Backpacking

Eco-Travel