VOLKSWAGEN TO OFFSET BUYERS’ EMISSIONS

The marketing hoopla associated with offset programs like this one cannot help but create an uneasy feeling: Is this the hucksters, or just the sound of them coming? But Carbonfund.org has done nothing so far to besmirch its integrity so the new forest should get planted and that is a good thing. Nevertheless, the offset industry, unregulated and nonstandardized, is ripe for picking by hucksters, so caveat emptor.

“Volkswagen Forest” Being Planted To Offset Carbon Footprint of Company’s Vehicles
September 2, 2007 (Edmunds)

WHO
Volkswagen of America, Carbonfund.org (Eric Carlson, Executive Director)

It is Carbonfund's good name that makes this marketing ploy endorse-able.

WHAT
Volkswagen Forest: VW will work through Carbonfund.org to restore a forest in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley to offset emissions from new VW purchases.

WHEN
The offsets will be purchased for all VWs sold between September 1, 2007, and January 2, 2008.

WHERE
Volkswagen Forest will restore a wetland ecosystem that had been largely converted to farmland in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley of Northern Louisiana.

WHY
- Carbonfund.org is a nonprofit organization which oversees funding for renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects.
- Over 250,000 native trees will be planted to create the forest, which will offset more than 372,000 tons of emissions.
- VW and Carbonfund will also offset emissions at the Teva Mountain Games vehicle test-drive program and for an upcoming Clean Diesel marketing tour.

In one of these buggies, ANY forest is a "Volkswagen Forest." Breakdowns? Duct tape and a beer could usually repair it.

QUOTES
- Eric Carlson, Executive Director, Carbonfund.org: “[This] is the first time a car company and its community of owners have mobilized on this scale to offset carbon emissions and reduce their climate footprint…"
- Edmunds: “What this means to you: Apparently, you'll be able to drive your Volkswagen Touareg with a clear conscience, thanks to this new initiative by the German automaker.”