ENVIRONMENTAL charity has launched a new carbon-offset scheme looking for ways to balance out people’s carbon footprint.

Borders-based Tweed Forum have set out the new scheme targeting individuals, families and small businesses who want to make a contribution to decrease their carbon emissions.

Working in conjunction with Forest Carbon, their new Tweed Forum Carbon Club, will work to set out a series of likely carbon emission levels for various business and households.

And allow them to make a donation towards the creation of new woodlands in the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland.

As well as absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and offsetting the donor’s everyday carbon emissions, the newly planted trees are also said to enhance the biodiversity, and water quality of the countryside.

Average carbon footprints have been calculated for individuals, couples and families based on several factors including miles driven, holidays taken, central heating usage, clothing and entertainment spend.

For small businesses, calculations have been estimated based on employee numbers, company mileage and business expenditure.

Individuals or businesses can also make a one-off donation and those who know how much carbon they use are also able to offset an exact amount.

Larger businesses can also get in touch with Tweed Forum to discuss tailored carbon offset plans for their organisations.

Luke Comins, Director at Tweed Forum said: “Climate change is a huge issue that we all need to play a part in addressing.

“There are many practical things we can do to reduce our carbon footprint, but all of us will still be responsible for the emission of some carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

“Our Tweed Forum Carbon Club provides a simple way to help to neutralise the impact that each of us has on the planet through an easily-accessible tree-planting scheme that helps to absorb harmful emissions and which also provides an environment with multiple benefits such as wildlife biodiversity, improved water quality and flood mitigation.”

Using a recognised system of carbon credits, the calculations work with one credit purchased representing one tonne of atmospheric carbon dioxide captured.

And this enables the planting of four trees.

All tree planting projects undertaken as part of the scheme are certified under the Scottish Forestry’s Woodland Carbon Code.

Luke added: “For small businesses, this could be an important way to address their corporate social responsibility goals and obligations and the scheme also enables individuals and families to make a practical contribution to the climate change battle.”

For more information visit https://tweedforum.org/tweed-forum-carbon-club/