Frequently asked questions
(All links jump to answers further down on the page.)
- What do I get when I purchase a TerraPass?
- Does TerraPass physically modify my car?
- How can you do this so cheaply?
- How does TerraPass find projects to finance?
- Is TerraPass a permit to pollute?
- How did you come up with your pricing and product levels? Shouldn't TerraPass be customized to my car and driving habits?
- Wouldn't we all be better off driving hybrid vehicles?
- How does TerraPass know that the emissions are really reduced?
- How can I be sure that the carbon dioxide reductions from my TerraPass purchase improve the environment in my area?
- What gases are covered in the TerraPass program?
- Do I still have to take my car in for emissions testing?
- Is driving my car the only activity I need to be concerned about?
- What is the relationship between Ford and TerraPass?
- Can I purchase TerraPass if I live outside the United States?
- Can I deduct my TerraPass purchase from my taxes?
What do I get when I purchase a TerraPass?
Customers tell us that the best thing you get when you purchase a TerraPass is the good feeling that comes from knowing you've taken a step toward addressing a serious issue. Beyond that, you'll receive a certificate verifying the amount of carbon dioxide your purchase has balanced. And to show you're a part of a growing number of people who are driving positive change you also get an attractice decal for your car or truck.
Displaying these items shows the world your commitment to balancing the climate impact of your driving, and helps spread the word.
Back to topDoes TerraPass physically modify my car?
No. TerraPass is a market-based concept that promotes the development of renewable energy. We provide a way for individuals to participate in a the same kind of market mechanisms that businesses and large organizations utilize to balance their climate impact. At TerraPass, we believe that individuals should have the power to take direct action toward fighting climate change. We are all increasingly aware of the risks of climate change, and concerned about our own impact. Along with conservation, TerraPass provides a tangible step.
The purchase price of your TerraPass is based on the cost to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide your driving emits in a year. TerraPass funds go directly to carbon-reducing energy and efficiency projects across the US. Every pound of carbon dioxide we pay to reduce is accounted for and verified by independent third parties.
So the carbon dioxide created by your driving is "removed" from the atmosphere by indirect sources and does not change the actual output of your car.
You can further reduce the amount of carbon dioxide your car emits by efficient driving habits that increase your mileage. The less gas or diesel you burn, the less carbon dioxide you emit.
How can you do this so cheaply?
TerraPass brings together the purchases of all its members, which gives the company substantial financial leverage. The key idea behind TerraPass is that we help tip the balance to make renewable energy projects pay off, reducing carbon dioxide emissions with a small sponsorship of renewable energy.
For example, let's say that a local businessperson is considering building a wind energy plant. Because this plant replaces energy being generated from coal, it will result in a lot less carbon dioxide being put into the atmosphere. Currently, wind power isn't quite as cost-effective as power from coal. (Although with the cost of coal increasing, that could change.)
This is where your TerraPass purchase comes in, providing the additional money needed to make the wind-energy plant cost-competitive with the big utility's coal-fired plant. The project now makes good economic sense, and the windmill project can proceed.
By combining your funds with those of other TerraPass customers, and putting your funds toward a project like this, TerraPass pushes renewable energy the last economic mile. TerraPass pools the purchases of its members to make these projects happen. For more details on the projects we've funded and an overview of our methodology, please visit our science page.
How does TerraPass find projects to finance?
We are always seeking out great projects to support. Currently TerraPass makes purchases in two classes of energy projects:
- Clean energy, such as wind
- Greenhouse gas abatement projects, such as landfill capping
Each of these projects is part of a balanced portfolio to reduce the equivalent of the carbon dioxide emitted from your driving. (For full details on the projects we've funded, see our portfolio page.)
When selecting projects, TerraPass looks for sound climate science, presence of a third-party verification system, and ongoing monitoring.
Is TerraPass a permit to pollute?
Absolutely not. TerraPass is a permit to do all you can to be a good steward of the environment. Our actions affect the climate in all sorts of ways, and TerraPass is one way individuals can take responsibility for that impact. We believe that TerraPass is unique because it allows citizens to completely balance the impact of by one part of their daily life – driving. But we encourage everyone to think broadly about how best to preserve the environment for future generations.
How did you come up with your pricing and product levels? Shouldn't TerraPass be customized to my car and driving habits?
Our prices are determined by the current cost of investment in renewable energy projects. These prices fluctuate, but we use market mechanisms to ensure that we achieve carbon dioxide reductions at the lowest possible cost, and then pass on those efficiencies to TerraPass members. You can determine which product is right for you by using our quick and simple carbon emissions calculator.
Wouldn't we all be better off driving hybrid vehicles?
Hybrids fit naturally with TerraPass' mission of allowing citizens to take direct control of their impact on the environment. If you enjoy the vehicles, then hybrids, along with TerraPass, can be a great part of your commitment to combat climate change.
But hybrid vehicles aren't yet a viable option for every driver. And even hybrids put substantial amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere - on average about 4,000 lbs of CO2 per year. TerraPass lets you directly counteract 100% of your car's carbon dioxide emissions today, no matter what you drive. That's why TerraPass goes great with hybrids, too.
How does TerraPass know that the emissions are really reduced?
TerraPass only supports projects whose results can be verified by an independent third party. A great deal of effort is being invested in developing accurate and consistent methods of auditing carbon dioxide reductions. We currently have an agreement with the Center for Resource Solutions, one of the country's leading authorities on renewable energy science and creator of the Green-e program for renewable energy certification. So all results are measurable and every transaction is transparent. See the list of projects we've funded for more detail on the certification process for each category of project.
How can I be sure that my TerraPass purchase will reduce carbon dioxide in my area?
Unlike smog or acid rain, climate change is not limited to any specific region. Carbon dioxide reductions in one part of the world are equivalent to carbon dioxide reductions in any part of the world, so you can be confident that your TerraPass purchase is having a local benefit.
What gases are covered in the TerraPass program?
Although many of our projects have ancillary benefits in reducing other types of emissions, our focus is to reduce the emissions known to cause climate change. Therefore, our only claim is to reduce carbon dioxide equivalents as defined by the IPCC.
Do I still have to take my car in for emissions testing?
Yes! Because TerraPass does not actually reduce the emissions that come directly from your car, it's not a hall pass for the folks at your local DMV. There are many gases that come out of your tailpipe that don't have anything to do with climate change. Smart driving habits, regular emissions testing and routine car maintenance can keep your vehicle running as cleanly and efficiently as possible. And that helps reduce your climate impact, too.
Is driving my car the only activity I need to be concerned about?
No. If you own a car or truck, chances are that driving is one of the largest sources of your individual carbon dioxide emissions. But that's just a start. Two other categories of energy use emerge as potentially significant carbon dioxide emission sources:
- Air travel. A round-trip flight between New York and Los Angeles uses about 120 gallons of jet fuel per passenger. This single trip is equivalent to about 2 months of driving.
- Household energy. Heating, cooling, and other household electricity use are about as significant as driving for most people.
What is the relationship between Ford and TerraPass?
Ford and TerraPass are independent companies who have partnered to create the Greener Miles program, which is specifically tailored for drivers of Ford vehicles.
TerraPass has been selling affordable carbon offsets since 2004 to individuals who are concerned about the climate impact of their driving. Ford saw a good fit between the two companies' emphasis on innovation and shared responsibility in the fight against climate change.
The result is the Greener Miles program, a joint marketing agreement between the two companies. TerraPass continues to operate independently, and Ford derives no revenue from the program.
Can I purchase TerraPass if I live outside the United States?
Absolutely. Climate change brought about by human-generated carbon dioxide emissions is a global problem and we welcome your enthusiasm to make a difference. You can purchase TerraPass online with your credit card, no matter where you live.
Can I deduct my TerraPass purchase from my taxes?
Sadly, no. But the cost of a TerraPass is so small that any tax benefit would be almost nonexistent. How much would your tax bill be reduced by claiming a $30 deduction?