The most recent issue of WebUser alerted me to a new search engine and online community, click4carbon, which aims to offset your carbon dioxide emissions.

The technology behind the searching is wholly Google’s (with permission) and the people behind click4carbon openly admit this, what differentiates this site from others is its focus on environmental issues.

Click4Carbon was started by Claire and John Russell from their home in England. Worried about global climate changes, they looked at ways that they could help the planet and as well as the usual ideas – recycling more, buying local produce – they came up with the idea of a green search engine. Both of them worked with computers all day, both of them used Google every day, both of them realised they weren’t alone in this way of life. Their intention is for the site to become the preferred search engine for environmentally conscious internet users.

The green search engine function isn’t unique but what sets this aside from sites like Carbon Neutral Search and Ecocho is that, as well as the search engine, the site offers an ‘ECOmmunity’ where users can get to know each other and shares tips on green lifestyles.

The website has understandably been on the receiving end of a lot of praise. Being carbon neutral itself keeps it away from claims of hypocrisy and functions such as its carbon calculator have been lauded, giving it a lot more than many search engines have to offer.

The more money the site makes, the more it helps the world. Partnered with the carbon free organisation, Plant A Tree Today Foundation, all revenues from click4carbon are used to promote and fund worldwide forestation projects.