160 trees against gas and light emissions per family per year

An average Italian family, which does not activate a “green” offer for the supply of electricity and gas, emits approximately 3,210 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere each year. To compensate for this pollution, it would take a forest of 160 trees. Studying the environmental impact of consumption on the occasion of the National Tree Day which is celebrated on November 21 is Selectra, a web platform that helps to compare tariffs and manage electricity, gas and internet contracts. National Tree Day is dedicated to the importance of woods and forests, capable of retaining CO2 through photosynthesis and therefore of storing carbon (carbon sink) in plant biomass and soil. If the consumption of the typical family is compensated with 160 trees per year, those of a single or a couple - according to Selectra's calculations - require 82 trees, while passing to the high consumption family, from 5 or more members in a house independent of over 150 square meters, the total of 5,396 kg of CO2 produced by electricity and gas can be offset by 270 trees. Selectra reminds that while the Protected Market (which will be in force until January 2022) does not allow a green option, the Free Market provides for carbon-free supplies (thanks to renewable energy sources) or the offsetting of CO2 emitted through the financing of environmental projects, including tree planting. Analyzing a sample of 200 electricity and gas offers from 26 suppliers on the Free Market, it emerged that almost 90% of those for gas (which is usually a fossil fuel) are not green. The remaining percentage includes “green” offers which either ensure the supply of biogas or provide for the offsetting of CO2 emissions, through initiatives such as the direct planting of trees or the purchase of certified carbon credits. On average, the cost of "green" gas offers at a fixed price, explains Selectra, is the same as non-green ones, but if you activate an offer that compensates for CO2 with the direct planting of trees, you can even save 15% compared to a "traditional" rate. Instead, we change perspective by analyzing the light offers proposed on the market: according to Selectra, 82% are green (a percentage that has grown by 4 percentage points in the last 6 months), between those that provide for a supply from renewable sources included in the price and those that offer it. as an option. Another good news is that they are also cheap: green fixed-price offers cost an average of 13% less than non-green ones.