Cars.com Offsets Test-Fleet Carbon

Here at Cars.com we have a revolving fleet of new cars for our editorial department’s use. We drive these cars extensively so we can craft informed reviews, film video and produce various other content, including blog posts. Logically, we know that the fuel used and carbon dioxide produced during these tests is a necessary evil to provide the best car coverage possible.

Today, we’re announcing that Cars.com will contribute to TerraPass to offset all the fuel used and the resulting pollution emitted by our test fleet.

This is a small step, but it’s one anyone can take to help the environment. The money will go to projects that offset carbon dioxide use. You can view TerraPass’ portfolio of projects here.

We will routinely update readers here on KickingTires on how much fuel we use in the new cars we test and how much we contribute to offset their carbon footprint. We’ll also list what it would cost an actual owner to offset each model for a year. 

Why are we doing this? Believe it or not, this isn’t any type of pandering to the green crowd, nor is it inspired by any deep political belief. There may have been some lingering guilt after testing so many large SUVs and thirsty muscle cars, but the main reason for this program is to help the environment for future generations of drivers.

If you’d like to offset your own car’s carbon emissions, use this exact link and we’ll be able to judge what kind of impact we’re having on the car-shopping public.

We’re unaware of any of our competition contributing in a similar way to carbon offsetting, so we’d like to extend a friendly challenge that they do so. 

Please let us know what you think in the comments below.

Comments

[lm]

this is great to hear! I almost joined terrapass but went with a more local organization - new England wind fund - to help offset my co2 footprint.

Good job cars.com

[Dave T.]

Thanks LM!

[B]

Great!

[Guy]

TerraPass reeks of a scam. You are basically paying a middleman in the carbon credit trading scheme (decide on your own if you think trading carbon credits is useful or not). As a middleman, they take a chunk of the money for themselves. All you are buying is the feel good sensation that you get from "helping the environment", when mostly you are helping TerraPass. I can't say for sure, but it seems you'd be better off in terms of helping the environment by planting trees or investing in some solar panels for your office building.