The journey to Canada is an incredible opportunity, but flying comes with an environmental impact. Each of us in the contingent will need to offset 25kg of carbon over the next 12–18 months by completing sustainable activities. This guide provides ideas for carbon offsetting activities, the amount they can offset, and how to record progress. Together, we can make a difference and leave a positive legacy.
Understanding Carbon Offsetting
Carbon offsetting involves balancing the carbon emissions produced by activities like flying by reducing or capturing carbon elsewhere. For reference:
- 1 kg of carbon dioxide is roughly equivalent to driving a small car for 4.5 miles or leaving a lightbulb on for 10 hours.
- Your goal of offsetting 25kg is achievable through manageable, impactful actions.
How to Offset Carbon
Here are sustainable activities you can undertake, with their approximate offsetting values:
Carbon Offsetting Activities Table
| Activity | Time/Quantity Required | Carbon Offset (kg CO₂) |
|---|---|---|
| Planting Trees | 1 tree planted (established over a year) | 1 kg per year per tree |
| Litter Picks | 10 bags of litter collected | 1 kg |
| Creating Wildflower Areas | 10m² of wildflower meadow established | 2 kg per year |
| Composting Organic Waste | 1 month of household composting | 4 kg |
| Cycling or Walking | Replace 10 miles of car travel | 3 kg |
| Energy Conservation | Turning off lights for 1 hour daily | 1 kg per month |
| Growing Your Own Food | 2 kg of homegrown produce | 1 kg |
| Promoting Renewable Energy | Switching to renewable energy (monthly) | 20–30 kg per household per month |
| Eco-Crafts and Upcycling | 2 upcycled or reused items | 1 kg |
| Rewilding Projects | Volunteering or fundraising event | 5–10 kg |
Activities with ongoing benefits, like tree planting or using renewable energy, provide consistent offsets over time. Here are the examples with more details:
1. Tree Planting
- Impact: Trees absorb CO₂ as they grow, providing long-term benefits.
- Activity: Plant native trees in local parks, schools, or gardens.
- Offset Value: A single tree can absorb up to 1 kg of CO₂ per year once established.
- Example Projects:
- Collaborate with local councils or conservation groups (e.g., Woodland Trust, www.woodlandtrust.org.uk).
2. Litter Picks
- Impact: Cleaning up litter reduces pollution and protects ecosystems.
- Activity: Organise regular litter picks in your community, ensuring plastic waste is recycled.
- Offset Value: While indirect, each session contributes to offsetting approximately 1 kg of CO₂ per 10 bags of litter, due to waste reduction and recycling.
- Pro Tip: Involve local recycling centres to ensure proper waste management.
3. Creating Wildflower Areas
- Impact: Wildflower meadows promote biodiversity and support pollinators critical for the environment.
- Activity: Sow wildflower seeds in local green spaces or garden areas.
- Offset Value: Enhancing biodiversity indirectly offsets up to 2 kg of CO₂ per 10m² per year.
4. Composting Organic Waste
- Impact: Composting reduces methane emissions from landfill waste.
- Activity: Start or maintain a composting system at home, school, or within the group.
- Offset Value: Composting organic waste instead of binning it offsets approximately 4 kg of CO₂ per month per household.
5. Cycling or Walking Instead of Driving
- Impact: Reducing car usage lowers CO₂ emissions.
- Activity: Commit to walking or cycling instead of car journeys for short distances.
- Offset Value: Each mile cycled offsets about 0.3 kg of CO₂ compared to driving.
6. Energy Conservation at Home
- Impact: Reducing energy usage at home lowers carbon footprints.
- Activity: Scouts can:
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
- Switch to energy-efficient bulbs.
- Offset Value: Simple energy-saving measures can offset 2–5 kg of CO₂ per month per household.
7. Growing Your Own Food
- Impact: Reduces emissions from food transportation and promotes self-sufficiency.
- Activity: Grow vegetables or herbs at home or in a community garden.
- Offset Value: Growing food can offset approximately 0.5 kg of CO₂ per kg of produce.
8. Promoting Renewable Energy
- Impact: Transitioning to green energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
- Activity: Encourage families to switch to renewable energy providers or install solar panels.
- Offset Value: Depending on the household, using green energy can offset 20–30 kg of CO₂ per month.
9. Eco-Crafts and Upcycling
- Impact: Reduces the demand for new materials and landfill waste.
- Activity: Use recycled materials to create useful items or crafts.
- Offset Value: Each upcycled item offsets about 0.5 kg of CO₂.
10. Supporting Rewilding Projects
- Impact: Rewilding enhances ecosystems and captures carbon.
- Activity: Fundraise for or participate in local or national rewilding projects.
- Offset Value: Supporting rewilding efforts through volunteering or fundraising can offset 5–10 kg of CO₂ per event.
Recording Activities and Offsets
To track and celebrate progress, Scouts will log their activities on a digital form that calculates the carbon offset based on their contributions. Here’s how it works:
- Access the Digital Form – https://5thexpedition.co.uk/carbon-off-set-deposit/
- Your form will have fields for you to:
- Describe your activity.
- Log the time spent or number of items created (e.g., trees planted, miles cycled).
- Include photos or notes for evidence.
- Your form will have fields for you to:
- Bank Carbon Offsets:
- The form automatically calculates the carbon offset for each activity.
- A “deposit” system allows Scouts to see how close they are to their 25kg goal.
- Review and Celebrate – https://5thexpedition.co.uk/carbon-off-set-transactions/
- Use a leaderboard to highlight top contributors.
- Share progress with the community through social media or newsletters.
Making the Activities Sustainable
We encourage you to choose activities that:
- Have a lasting environmental benefit (e.g., tree planting, biodiversity projects).
- Involve your family, school, or community, amplifying their impact.
- Inspire you to continue sustainable practices beyond the offsetting period.
Resources for Support
- Woodland Trust: Information on tree planting and conservation projects (www.woodlandtrust.org.uk).
- Surfers Against Sewage: Guidance on organising litter picks (www.sas.org.uk).
- Energy Saving Trust: Tips for reducing household energy use (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk).
- Friends of the Earth: Advice on community action projects (www.friendsoftheearth.uk).
Parents and Guardians Inspiring Scouts to Take Action
Carbon offsetting isn’t just about balancing emissions—it’s about building awareness and a commitment to sustainability. By participating, Scouts develop skills, engage their communities, and make tangible contributions to the planet.
Let’s turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth and positive change. Together, your group will not only offset their flight’s impact but also set an example for others to follow.