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Carbon Offset
Definition
Carbon Offset — A tradable credit representing one tonne of CO₂ reduced, avoided or removed.
1 min
Read time
Shopping term
Label type
2
Key points
At a glance
Carbon offsets are issued by certified projects that either reduce emissions (renewable energy, efficient cookstoves), avoid them (preventing deforestation) or remove existing CO₂ (afforestation, direct air capture).
Quality varies wildly.
Carbon offsets are issued by certified projects that either reduce emissions (renewable energy, efficient cookstoves), avoid them (preventing deforestation) or remove existing CO₂ (afforestation, direct air capture).
Quality varies wildly. Reputable standards include Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard (VCS / Verra), Climate Action Reserve and American Carbon Registry. Avoidance credits are systematically over-credited; removal credits are scarcer but more credible. Use the SBTi mitigation hierarchy: reduce first, offset residuals only.
How to check this before you buy
1Look for "Carbon Offset" on the pack or the Amazon UK listing itself, not just in the brand's marketing.
2Ask whether the claim is backed by a named standard or independent body, or is just a description.
3Check whether the claim covers the exact product and size you're buying, not only the wider brand.
4Compare at least two alternatives on Pickly before deciding.