Carbon Neutral Councillor

All of the local 'In Touch' leaflets that I deliver in Alexandra ward are Carbon Neutral. This is achieved by offsetting the Carbon Dioxide emissions produced in their production with the planting of broad-leafed trees in and around the London area. The company used has received official Government accreditation and is approved by the Quality Assurance Scheme for Carbon Offsetting. All of my local 'In Touch' leaflets are produced locally and printed on recycled paper.

I have paid for further trees to offset the vast amount of paper that is sent to me by the Council for agendas and minutes. When travelling to Council meetings or to Alexandra ward, I use public transport or occasionally get a lift with a fellow councillor.

Experts ensure the right trees are planted in the

appropriate places. All trees are planted in reserves and

managed woodland were they will live their natural

lifespan and meet their biodiversity targets.

Each tree planted "offsets" environmental impact by

"breathing" in about 1 tonne of CO2 emissions over its lifetime. The trees also provide sustainable habitat for wildlife and will enhance the natural landscape with native broad-leaved trees.

What is Carbon Offsetting?

Each of our everyday actions consumes energy and produces carbon dioxide emissions e.g. taking holiday flights, driving our cars, heating or cooling our homes and offices. Carbon Offsets can be used to compensate for the emissions produced by funding an equivalent carbon dioxide saving somewhere else.

Is offsetting the solution to climate change?

Offsetting provides a mechanism to reduce GHG emissions in the most cost-effective and economically-efficient manner. Offsetting plays a vital role in combating climate change, but is not alone, the solution. Climate change will only be addressed if we take responsible steps to REDUCE our CO2 emissions as much as possible and offset the remaining unavoidable emissions.