News-Record.com

Is it possible? One Greensboro man is helping residents find out. Kyle Smythe has started a business called Green H.O.P.E., which enables customers to reduce and offset their carbon footprint by purchasing renewable energy certificates or carbon offsets.

The RECs help finance the generation of electricity through renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. Carbon offsets essentially help companies lower their own carbon emissions through steps such as capturing carbon and storing it underground.

Smythe said as RECs gain demand, customers may actually get to decide where their power comes from, such as the sun instead of coal.

"The more RECs we can buy as consumers, the more they will realize there is a demand," he said.

Smythe, whose primary job is in the commercial insurance business, said he started researching global warming about a year ago and launched his site in November. Smythe attends Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and is a member of the city's Environmental Stewardship Group.

"Growing up in the mountains I think I have a different appreciation for nature than most people do," he said.

By the way, for you eco-preneurs, be sure to check out a new $1 million North Carolina fund that will provide grants to those who come up with innovative green business ideas. Find out more information about this at the N.C. Board of Science and Technology.