For many celebrities, the idea of lowering greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing so-called “carbon offsets” has become fashionable. By simply purchasing credits from companies that invest in carbon-cutting projects like tree farms in Ecuador or windmills in Minnesota, these celebrities feel better about driving large vehicles or flying private jets. But while this may sound good, the truth of the matter, according to a recent Los Angeles Times article, is that carbon offsets may be more hype than solution. The reason is that many of the projects the offset companies invest in already have financing, and the monies sent to them pay only a small fraction of their true cost. Little wonder the FTC is now investigating this offset matter.