What is a carbon footprint?
The term carbon footprint is named after carbon dioxide, the principal cause of climate change. It represents the total greenhouse gases a person or company is personally responsible for adding into the atmosphere.
Whenever you use energy created from fossil fuels such as oil or coal, you're generating carbon emissions. Common activities that add to your carbon footprint include flying, driving, heating and cooling of the home, overall electricity use, as well as the products you buy.

What is a carbon offset?
A carbon offset is an investment in a project or activity that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the atmosphere by one metric ton (2,205 lbs) to combat climate change.
Businesses and individuals alike may seek to offset by focusing on activities such as air travel, lifestyle, or products and services.
Carbon offset projects most typically involve investments in forestry activities, energy efficiency projects, the avoidance of methane emissions, and renewable energy.