New Non-Profit Organisation Launches to Offer Win-Win Approach to Carbon Off-Setting

Offset Someplace Else, a new non-profit organisation that helps reduce carbon emissions through environmentally friendly projects in developing countries, will launch its win-win approach at David Domoney’s Catwalk in Bloom at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

[ClickPress, Thu Jun 07 2007] A new non-profit organisation that offsets carbon emissions through environmentally friendly development projects that help communities in Third World and emerging countries will launch at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in July, at a special event created by David Domoney, resident gardener of ITV’s This Morning.

Offset Someplace Else is designed to not only help consumers reduce their carbon emissions, but also enhance the lives of local communities in developing countries such as Belize and Macedonia through eco-friendly energy and water projects.

The launch event will see the non-profit organisation team up with David Domoney to sponsor what promises to be one of the main attractions of the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show (3 – 8 July) – the Catwalk in Bloom Show.

Models and gardeners will take to the catwalk in two different shows to highlight the creativity and inspiration of horticulture – ‘The Plant Fashion Show’ will focus on the hottest, new plants and flowers for the garden; while ‘Fashion with a Twist’ showcases the best couture and off-the-peg designs, all with a horticultural twist.

Ben Mason, director of Offset Someplace Else, said: “Most carbon off-setting companies will plant a tree for you, but what we’re launching is an off-setting solution that can really make a difference, not just to the environment, but also to the lives of local communities in countries that really need our help and support.

“The Catwalk in Bloom show is designed to highlight the natural beauty of our planet and why it needs us to protect it. It is in everyone’s interest to start offsetting their carbon footprint, but if we can encourage people to do it in a way that benefits developing countries it can only be a good thing. Offset Someplace Else is a non-profit organisation designed to help achieve this through a simple online offsetting system that produces results everyone can see through the lives of the communities it helps.”

The Offset Someplace Else website* will feature a carbon footprint calculator to allow consumers to understand the impact they are having on the planet. The average Briton produces 10 tonnes of carbon per year through their daily lives – home heating, driving, washing and cutting the grass all add to the environmental damage.

A few short questions will ask about lifestyle, before calculating how much needs to be contributed to offset the carbon footprint. A typical person’s offset charge is between £4 - £20 per month. All funds raised directly benefit emerging communities, while also helping combat climate change.

Projects currently underway include the installation of solar and hydropower systems, and an environmentally friendly waste water sewerage system in the village of Seine Bight in Southern Belize. These projects are designed to enhance the living conditions and lives of the local community, improving sanitary conditions and ultimately health, while giving them an environmentally sound and self-sufficient infrastructure.

Dr Paul Williams, who holds a prestigious research fellowship in climate science at Reading University, commented: “Offset Someplace Else is bringing some much needed fresh thinking to the issue of off-setting our carbon footprint. Carbon emissions are now recognised as a real threat, but we need to tackle it through sustainable techniques that have a positive impact on the planet’s future.

“By using the funds generated this non-profit organisation is investing in projects that make a difference not just to the environment, but also to the lives of real people in these developing communities. It’s a win-win situation that both individuals and businesses need to recognise and act on.”

Editor’s Note:

• *The Offset Someplace Else website will launch on 2 July 2007 - www.offsetsomeplaceelse.com

• Ben Mason and Dr Paul Williams are available for interview – please contact Context


About Dr Paul Williams
Dr Paul Williams, an expert in climate science, is available for interviews. A first class graduate from Oxford University, he has been widely published and was the lead author of a climate change report commissioned by the European Parliament. His research findings are widely reported, and he recently presented his research to MPs in the House of Commons. He frequently gives educational talks to the public and business leaders and sits on the Institute of Physics committee concerned with promoting environmental matters. He is also on the advisory board of the Green Economic Institute.


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Context
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