How does this work, you might ask. Well the concept of carbon neutrality is really quite simple:

• First we assess the impact that our daily operations have on the environment by measuring how much waste we produce, how much electricity and gas we consume, and how much exhaust we send into the air. This is what’s called our Carbon Footprint.
• Next, our carbon footprint is translated into metric tons, which gives us a baseline for determining how much we need to “offset” our emissions.
• We then we purchase Carbon Offsets, which compensate for the amount we pollute by offsetting it with an equivalent carbon dioxide savings elsewhere.

Due to the fact that greenhouse gases have a long life-span and tend to mix evenly in the atmosphere it doesn’t matter where gases are emitted in the world: the effect on climate change is the same, and in doing our part we can help to reduce them globally.

Of course, offsetting emissions isn't an excuse to pollute. It's a way to take responsibility for the pollution that can't be avoided, and help raise awareness about the impact of our actions. We all need to increase our energy efficiency and reduce waste production as much as we can. But the next step, and what we believe will be a critical step for businesses small and large going forward, will be to offset what we do use with clean, and sustainable sources of energy. For more information, and to learn how you can make a difference or reduce your own carbon footprint, please visit our friends at www.sustainabletravelinternational.org.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for thinking about your role in the world we live in.

With warmest regards,
Michael and Vivian Forte
Owners, Pisticci Restaurant