As an average consumer wanting to help small business move more green, carbon credits are a great thing. I don't see them as an offset to what emissions I produce. I see them as a way for me to donate to a great cause. Kind of like adopting an animal. I mean, it's not like I can just walk up to a farm and say, here's some money to help you build an methane capture plant and run your farm's electricity off cow poop fumes. Carbon offset companies, offer me this vehicle of philanthropy. Thank you "Offset" companies!
The "product" you receive is a bumper sticker, but what you don't physically receive is what matters. The offset you purchase funds green engery projects. Every thing from wind power projects, to methane gas capturing. There are different levels of offsets available for those who drive more miles or get low MPGs.