Limousine company [allegedly] goes green with carbon credits

This article is a bit amusing.

Excerpts:

...But he then discovered that the Prius-green movement of his rivals wasn't all it seemed to be.

"They would have a few Prius models on display at their stands at conventions'' of livery service providers, Mackasek said of his competitors. "But it was mostly for show ... sort of like what happens in Hollywood when celebrities are going to an event.''

The stars "are chauffeured in their limousines, or they drive their luxury cars and Hummers to a certain drop-off point. Then they get out of those vehicles and into Prius cars" and arrive at the red carpet looking green, Mackasek said.
...
Valera is then required to pay for CCX-approved programs, such as reforestation and the development of wind and solar energy projects, designed to offset the carbon emissions Valera described in its annual report.

It's complicated. And there are many critics who say the carbon offset program is as much of an environmental ruse as putting little gas-electric hybrid cars in the service of a luxury limousine company. But Mackasek said the program has definite value for his firm and its clients.

"It means we spend hundreds of dollars annually instead of thousands to make a green statement,'' he said. "It's a way for us to show our concern'' for global warming and related environmental problems "and to educate our clients without inconveniencing them,'' Mackasek said.