Japanese convenience store chain to start carbon offset program

Lawson, Japan's second largest convenience store chain, recently announced that it will introduce a voluntary carbon offset program in April of 2009. Carbon offsetting involves companies or individuals mitigating their own carbon emissions by purchasing the market value of actual reductions made by others who've implemented pollution-cutting measures.

In the case of Lawson, the company has agreed to partner locally with Tokyo University, which is diminishing carbon emissions on its campuses by replacing equipment and lighting with energy efficient alternatives. Internationally Lawson will be purchasing offsets from an Argentine wind farm.

Apparently, Lawson will also make it possible for consumers to counter their own polluting through programs implemented at company stores. For instancethe chain plans to introduce carbon offset products as well as a system that lets customers buy back carbon emissions through accumulated loyalty program points.