BuyCarbonOffsets.org
USE CASE · ANNUAL

How to offset your annual footprint

The global average footprint is about 4.7 tonnes per person. Offset your whole year in one step.

TYPICAL FACTORS
Flights
Varies widely
Driving + home
Core baseline
Diet
1.5–4.6 t
EXAMPLE
Average developed-economy individual
8.2 tCO₂e
OFFSET WITH MIXED PORTFOLIO
$205
Offset 8.2 t → Calculate my exact footprint
How to offset your annual footprint

What drives the footprint

Offsetting your whole year is the simplest way to take responsibility for your total impact. The global average is about 4.7 tonnes per person, but in developed economies 8–16 tonnes is common once flights, driving, home energy and diet are included.

Measure once, reduce where you can, and retire credits for the balance — or set up a subscription so you stay covered automatically every year.

What drives the footprint
HOW TO OFFSET · 90 SECONDS

Three steps, start to certificate.

01
Estimate the footprint

Average developed-economy individual: about 8.2 tCO₂e. Use our calculator for your exact number.

02
Choose a methodology

We recommend Mixed portfolio at $25/tonne for this use case — Verra VCS.

03
Pay and retire

We buy the credits at wholesale, retire them on the public registry on your behalf, and email you a verifiable certificate.

Offset 8.2 t now →
REDUCE FIRST, THEN OFFSET

Cut what you can before you offset.

Offsetting is for the emissions you can’t yet eliminate. A few practical ways to lower this footprint at source:

  • Cut the biggest levers first — fewer flights, less car travel, a plant-forward diet.
  • Improve home energy efficiency and switch to a green tariff.
  • Re-measure annually and offset the remainder.
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Should I offset once or subscribe?

A subscription spreads the cost monthly and keeps you covered year after year automatically.

How do I calculate my annual footprint?

Use our calculator — four numbers (flights, driving, home energy, diet) give a directional annual estimate in tonnes.

Is offsetting a whole year worth it?

As a complement to cutting emissions, yes — it funds verified climate action for the footprint you can’t yet eliminate.

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