Offsetting and the Consumption of Social Responsibility

Washington University Law Review, Vol. 89, 2011

American University, WCL Research Paper No. 2011-07

National Poverty Center, University of Michigan Working Paper No. 2011

76 Pages Posted: 3 Mar 2011 Last revised: 14 Nov 2011

See all articles by Ezra Rosser

Ezra Rosser

American University - Washington College of Law

Date Written: March 1, 2011

Abstract

This Article examines the relationship between individual consumption and consumption-based harms by focusing on the rise in consumption offsetting. Carbon offsets are but the leading edge of a rise in consumer options for offsetting externalities associated with consumption. Moving from examples of quasi offsetting to environmental offsetting and the possibility of poverty offset institutions, I argue that offsetting provides a valuable mechanism for individuals to correct for the harms associated with consumption. This article makes two major contributions to how we understand the relationship between consumption and social responsibility. First, it identifies an emerging offsetting phenomenon in seemingly discrete market practices and gives suggestions for improving upon them. Second, it suggests that by taking seriously both consumption and externalities, progress can be made on everything from the environment to global poverty. Offsetting, while not getting at all moral or societal obligations, does root such obligations in the shared activity, and perhaps belief, of Americans: consumption.

Keywords: Offsetting, Consumption, Environmental Offsetting, Poverty, Carbon Credits

JEL Classification: D1, D3, D4, D6, I3, K11

Suggested Citation

Rosser, Ezra, Offsetting and the Consumption of Social Responsibility (March 1, 2011). Washington University Law Review, Vol. 89, 2011, American University, WCL Research Paper No. 2011-07, National Poverty Center, University of Michigan Working Paper No. 2011, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1774043

Ezra Rosser (Contact Author)

American University - Washington College of Law ( email )

4300 Nebraska Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.wcl.american.edu/faculty/

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