Buy carbon offsets to start helping curve emissions now!

Today I purchased my first 4 tons of CO2 offsets for 55 CDN dollars. This represents the plane and car emissions I have generated this year so far. I plan on doing this on a monthly basis both to keep track of my direct emissions and also to at least feel like I am generating immediate results. I heard about carbon offsets in Al Gore's new book "Our Choice". Carbon offsetting does not solve global warming or puts us on a sustainable path but it should be seen as a short term strategy while we invest in longer term projects like increased efficiency, a healthier lifestyle and most importantly a different thought process.

The company I chose to purchase my offsets from is called the Carbon Neutral Company and its mission is "to be the trusted partner to companies (and individuals) committed to reducing their carbon footprint with solutions that strengthen their business". I am currently exploring engaging this company to help my company (ET Group) develop a comprehensive carbon offsetting program that will be one of many tools and initiatives of our sustainability strategy going forward.

I consider "Our Choice" to be a must-read introductory book to learn about many of the problems we are facing that are directly affecting global warming and sustainability at large. When I get some time, I will post a more detailed summary/review about this book but go get it or borrow it as it is well worth it. The book is a well written and it will definately teach and explain you many issues and some potential solutions to the issues and opportunities we will be facing in the decades to come.

Turning high end condos and staple hotels into green building examples

Look at those roofs! Wouldn't it be great to see solar panels on all of them?

Today I spent some time boogie-boarding in the great waves of Playa Revolcadero in Acapulco. It is quite impressive to see how much it has grown over the years with 20-40 new condos lining the entire beach. What is sad, is not that there is so many more people than 10 or even 5 years ago but that all of these new buildings are not built in a smart way. I bet none of those condos have greywater recovery systems, highly efficient cooling and heating systems or even dual flush toilets and effiicent lighting but I obviously hope I am wrong. Also, Acapulco probably has 320+ days of sunshine per year and a nice consistent breeze yet there is no sign of a single solar panel or windmill in sight.

Apparently there is a few hotel pioneers that are starting to implement some solar panels but it would just be nice to see one of the staple hotels, like the Acapulco Princess or the Pierre Marquez (both very popular and famous hotels owned my Fairmont) set an example by investing heavily into significantly lowering the environmental footprint of their properties. Fairmont actually has a Green Partnership Program which is a great program that will surely gain more popularity and strength but it does not feel alive in these properties yet. There was no mention of any sustainable initiatives in the room, lobby or anywhere I looked. I do not want to pick on Fairmont because they could be considered one of the more conscious chains but I beleive its precisely leaders across all different industries who need to take drastic action to prove a point. I am sure Fairmont follows and sets best practices but it is not all about gaining efficiencies in operations, why not actively educate your customers? Myself, and many others would prefer to stay in a hotel that is doing everything it can to minimize its footprint even if it meant paying 10-25% more per night. The encouraging fact is that applying the right technologies could significantly lower the operating costs of these hotels, allowing them to increase their margins and cash-flow. In turn, they could reinvest that extra money in further improvements or in marketing their sustainability practices which will undoubtedly attract more, higher quality patrons.

Being concious gets you 15% off at a high end restaurant in Acapulco

Yesterday night I took my mom to "El Olvido", which is a fabulous high-end restaurant hidden right in the craziness of Acapulco bay. The meal was superb but the most rewarding thing is that I got 15% off, simply because I indicated I did not want bottled water to complement my wine. Instead, I asked for glasses of water to avoid sending two new pet bottles to the landfill. The waiter ended up telling the restaurant manager and at the end of the meal we got a special 15% discount for being eco-conscious. Here is the link to the restaurant: http://www.elolvido.com.mx/

Vision

I want to share my thoughts and actions, large and small, with everyone interested and committed to help this planet, and all of its inhabitants, flourish.

Me in a Nutshell

This quick overview of myself is simply here for whoever is interested in learning more about me and my upbringing as it has definitely influenced the way I think and do things.

I consider myself an extremely lucky person. I am healthy, confident and possess a fair amount of usable braincells. I have always been someone with great dreams and ambitions that seizes opportunities without hesitation. I strongly believe we are only limited by our own ideas and imagination.

I was born and raised in Mexico City by my amazing parents who have encouraged me to travel, and have always allowed me to pursue whatever interests I had. In Mexico, I attended a German high school and later on moved to Canada to get my degree in business administration. I currently own a mid sized telecommunications and integration business in Canada. I have had the chance to meet and share part of my life with many wonderful people that support me, believe in me and push me to achieve the goals I care about the most. I am 27 years and this year, my life is changing drastically, as I finally realize my true passion and goal in life is to help this amazing world, and all of its inhabitants, flourish.