TerraPass
Carbon Balanced Shipping with uShip and TerraPass
Now you can ship your items with uShip knowing you're not adding to global warming
TerraPass certified providers commit to balancing their global warming emissions by sponsoring American clean energy projects such as wind farms.
The idea is simple. The trucks used to ship your items consume gasoline and emit carbon dioxide, the principal cause of global warming. There’s not much that can be done yet to change this situation, but there is something that can be done to balance out the environmental impact of your shipping.
TerraPass certified providers commit to balancing the global warming emissions from shipping your items by funding clean energy and efficiency projects that actually reduce carbon dioxide emissions. These service providers still use trucks to move your boat or piano, but they also help fund, for example, a new wind farm in the Midwest that replaces energy from coal with clean power.
By funding a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions that is directly proportional to the emissions created from their trucks, these providers balance out their contribution to global warming.
It's easy to find these carbon balanced providers.
Just look for this logo to help fight global warming when you ship with uShip:
What is TerraPass?
TerraPass is a company with a mission to put practical, affordable tools for fighting climate change in the hands of ordinary citizens. By directing money to credible, verified clean energy projects, TerraPass members help to directly fund America’s clean energy future.
We are all responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. We create emissions every time we drive, fly, or use electricity. By choosing carbon balanced shipping, you’ll be joining tens of thousands of others who use TerraPass to balance out the impact of plane flights, car trips and home energy bills.
TerraPass isn’t a complete solution. But until we have more sustainable shipping trucks and fuels, it’s a step in the right direction that you and the uShip community can take together.
How can you help?
You can help fight global warming by selecting TerraPass certified providers on uShip.
By funding clean energy and efficiency projects, TerraPass certified providers sponsor a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that is directly proportional to the emissions created from your shipping.
By helping to fund clean energy through TerraPass, you're joining with thousands of others from all walks of life to make a real impact—200 million pounds of greenhouse gases and counting.
Providers: How to be carbon balanced with TerraPass:
You’ve heard of doing well by doing good at big companies like GE, Wal-Mart and Expedia. uShip can help you tell customers about your environmental values and distinguish your listing from other providers. By signing up, you’ll help sponsor clean energy projects that balance out the global warming impact of your services.
Where does the money go?
TerraPass members fund several different kinds of projects, carefully chosen for their environmental benefit. For example:
- Ainsworth wind facility in Ainsworth, Nebraska. The Plains states have a great natural resource that they've only begun to tap: abundant wind. For the past year, the 36 1.65-megawatt wind turbines in Ainsworth have been generating enough clean electricity to power 19,000 homes.
- Haubenschild Dairy Farm in Princeton, Minnesota. Haubenschild produces 6,000v gallons of milk every day—and 21,000 gallons of cow manure. By harvesting the methane from this waste product, the farm is able to prevent the emission of a harmful greenhouse gas and create clean energy at the same time.
About TerraPass
The partnership between uShip and TerraPass is the latest innovative way for ordinary individuals to help fight climate change, but it’s not the only one. Last year both Ford Motor Company and Expedia selected TerraPass for pioneering programs dedicated to combating climate change.
Only two years old, TerraPass has received a lot of attention for its unique model and message, including stories in the The New York Times, BusinessWeek, USA Today, Wired Magazine, and on CBS.
Transportation accounts for about one third of the green house gases that contribute to global warming.
TerraPass can help the uShip community reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but there are lots of other simple things you can do to be greener and save money at the same time.
- Re-use packing supplies. If you ship a lot, re-use your packing supplies. Otherwise, try posting on craigslist for packing materials – you’ll be surprised how many folks are getting rid of boxes and packing materials.
- Reduce the amount you have to ship. If you’re moving offices or furniture, clean up and sort before you move.
- Think Local. Select providers that are already coming to your area, or have space on the route. You may have to be more flexible on timing, but together you’ll make the whole process more efficient.
- Recycle packing supplies. Felling new trees to make boxes wastes energy and destroys our forests. If you can’t give away your used boxes and packing supplies, recycle them.
- Sail your boat home. Come on – that’s why you bought it! Treat yourself to your first renewable trip home.
- Look for TerraPass certified providers. You’ll know the emissions from your shipping are being balanced out with American clean energy.