Counterbalance

Frequently Asked Questions

a model's wrist rests upon a tree, she wears a rose gold counterbalance bracelet supporting 30 tons of carbon offsets.

What are Climate Action Projects?

Climate Action Projects are the highest quality carbon offset projects that help to reduce or prevent Greenhouse gas emissions. Not all carbon offsets are high quality and therefore it is important to distinguish between them. We support only projects that are certified by rigorous third party certifications like Verra VCS and The Gold Standard.

How are Projects selected?

All selected projects align with the climate solutions identified by Project Drawdown. These projects all have the ability to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, have a positive, quantifiable impact, and need financing to scale and grow.

Counterbalance invites you to join us and make the best use of existing, effective climate solutions and take them with you wherever you go.

Not all climate action and carbon offset prokects are created equally. We only partner with projects are certified by the rigorous and independent Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard, and American Carbon Registry.

What is the difference between Counterbalance models?

There are 5 different Counterbalance models that differ in material and the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) mitigated in metric tons (t).

1. Bronze 15t CO₂e

2. Silver 20t CO₂e

3. Yellow Gold 30t CO₂e

4. Rose Gold 30t CO₂e

5. White Gold 40t CO₂e

What does CO₂e mean?

“Carbon dioxide equivalent” or “CO2e” is a term for describing different greenhouse gases in a common unit. For any quantity and type of greenhouse gas, CO2e signifies the amount of CO2 which would have the equivalent global warming impact.

What is a carbon footprint and why is the average important?

Every year, everything from the energy we use and food we consume produces greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide, often referred to as an annual carbon footprint. This footprint changes every year depending on how much we travel and what we purchase.

Counterbalance seeks to maximize the good each project does, so we seek to mitigate at least as much as the average carbon footprint in the U.S. Thus, Counterbalance bracelets fund the removal or prevention of at least 15 tons CO₂e.

Counterbalance helps you have a net positive impact on the planet, maximizing environmental protection and minimzing harm.

How and When will I receive my carbon credit certificate?

Your Counterbalance comes with personalized certificates for all projects supported, delivered via email directly from our partners. You will receive information on how to view your carbon credits on the official registry using your assigned project ID and serial number on your certificate. We value transparency and want you to be proud of the work to fight climate change you are supporting.

Carbon credit certificates verifying your credits have been retired and assigned solely to you will be delivered within 14 days after your bracelet is delivered.

What is the Counterbalance bracelet warranty and return policy?

Each Counterbalance bracelet is designed to last a lifetime.

Exchanges are possible if there is an issue. We want to minimize waste of materials, packaging, and emissions from shipping so we encourage you to measure your wrist properly to avoid sizing issues.

How does renewal work to re-engrave my Counterbalance?

Renewal allows you to add up to 9 additional climate action engravings to your Counterbalance bracelet, the first one is included with your initial purchase.

Upon purchasing a renewal, you will receive a prepaid shipping label to send your Counterbalance in for engraving and cleaning. You will receive your project's carbon credits via email within 7-14 days.

Your bracelet will be shipped back using a slower (more sustainable) shipping method in its original packaging to reduce waste.

How do I choose the right size to order?

Using the size guide below, measure your wrist to find the right size.

You can use a tape measure, print our sizing tool, or if you're in a pinch, measure your phone charging cord on a ruler, wrapping it around your wrist and marking the beginning and end.

Most men fit a medium or large, most women fit a medium but a good number are best with size small. All the bracelets are unisex.

It is important to get your size correct as each bracelet is made to order just for you. Correct sizing also means nothing goes to waste and we can cut down on emissions from manufacturing and shipping.  

In order to measure your wrist accurately you can either use everyday items or print out a measuring tool.

  • The first easy method is to use a measuring tape and wrap it around your wrist where you normally wear bracelets or a watch, above or below the wrist bone. Make sure it isn't too tight to ensure a comfortable fit. 
  • Wrap the tape measure as if it were the bracelet and find the measurement where it aligns with the start of the tape measure. This is your circumference and size. Write it down and compare it with the size chart below. 
  • If you are between two sizes, choose a larger size to ensure a proper fit. 
  • Alternatively, take any small piece of ribbon or cord. Wrap it around your wrist and measure the length against a ruler.
  • Tip: The Iphone Measure App can also be used as a ruler.
  • If you encounter sizing issues, feel free to contact us. 
  • You can print a ruler here for our size chart here.

 

 

 Wrist Measurement (inches) Centimeters Bracelet Size
5 - 5.5" 12.7 - 14 cm xs
5.5 - 6.0"
14 - 15.2 cm
s
6 - 6.5"
15.2 - 16.5 cm
m
6.5 - 7.0"
16.5 - 17.8 cm
l

7 - 7.5"

17.8 - 19.0 cm
xl
7.5 - 8"
19.0 - 20.3 cm
2xl
8 - 8.5"
20.3 - 21.6 cm
3xl

How sustainable are the materials ?

Counterbalance is designed with sustainability and the full life cycle in mind. We aim to follow the principles of Recyclability, Repairability, and Longevity. We strive to minimize waste and materials use at all stages of the supply chain.

Constructed with highly durable metals, Counterbalance bracelets are aesthetically timeless and retain their value over time so they will last longer, won't need to be replaced frequently, and can be repaired and reused for years. Your bracelet is 100% recyclable as well, meaning it has a bright future of being turned into something new one day for future generations and won't end up in a landfill. We are transitioning to a supplier that uses 100% recycled gold and silver by 2026. Transitioning towards fair-mined materials is important to support small-scale, ethical mining that provides quality labor conditions with transparent supply chains.

Coming soon, look out for new Counterbalance limited edition bracelets featuring new materials such as fair-mined eco-gold and sustainable metal-alternatives.

Our custom sized orders may use virgin materials in order to minimize waste and deliver your Counterbalance within a timely manner. In order to reduce emissions and waste from overproduction, Counterbalance may be manufactured on a made-to-order basis.

All our shipping materials are biodegradable and 100% recycled.

Choosing a slower shipping speed can reduce emissions from transportation, but rest assured, the weight of our packages ensures minimized emissions.

How do I take care of my Counterbalance bracelet?

Counterbalance Care 

Depending on the material, there are some precautions you can take to protect your bracelet's appearance and help it look its best. All materials can become dulled and scratched just from daily wear.

Renewal

Annual renewal of your Counterbalance includes not only a new climate action project engraving, but also professional cleaning and polishing (as necessary). Polishing process can remove metal and is recommended every 2-3 years. 

Storage

Store your Counterbalance in a dry, sealed environment such as a plastic bag or the box it arrives in, making sure it is dry before storing it. 

Bronze

Brass and Bronze jewelry tarnish from oxidization which can be accelerated by coming into contact with perfumes, chlorinated water, extremely humid air, and even the acidity of your skin. 

To protect your bracelet, you can remove it before exercising, showering, swimming, cleaning, and attending climate strikes (or leave it on). You can also avoid wearing it to sleep to reduce contacy with your skin. 

The bracelet may develop a patina from oxidation over time. This process can result in a green market on your skin from the copper carbonate, but as we say, Green Wrist, Green Planet. If the discoloration is an issue, you can use a jewelry-safe lacquer to create a barrier that protects the bracelet from moisture and tarnishing. 

Using a polishing cloth regularly to remove oils and residue as well as rinsing with soap and water can help clean your bracelet and keep it looking new, just make sure to dry it completely. 

Silver

The Silver Counterbalance may require cleaning over time to retain its shine. You can use silver jewelry cleaner on a cloth to remove tarnish on your Counterbalance. Then, rinse the bracelet in warm water and thoroughly dry it.

Gold

The Gold Counterbalances can be cleaned with warm water and dish soap, rinsed, and dried to clean it. A polishing cloth can help restore shine as necessary. 

Storing your Counterbalance in a protective box or pouch can help protect it when not in use. Always avoid bracelet exposure to bleach and cleaning products.

If you want to preserve the look of the bracelet, you can avoid wearing it while exercising, showering, bathing, gardening, and cooking. We personally wear it while doing all of the above because 14k gold is more resilient than 18k and can handle just about anything, except bleach. 

Final Note

Each Counterbalance is a story of action on climate change. At this pivotal moment, wearing a Counterbalance is an act of love for our planet and those who seek to protect it. Throughout your journey, scratches from wear and tear can add to the beauty and character of your bracelet, reflecting the journey you have taken together. Taking your Counterbalance on your adventures to the forest, ocean, or wherever you connect with nature, can help remind you of what is at stake. 

 

 

What are Premium Climate Action projects ?

Premium Climate Action Projects are those that require a higher level of funding to achieve a reduction in emissions. All premium projects have a different engraving from its standard counterpart.

Supporting these projects enables vital work to mitigate climate change to occur even in areas where costs can be prohibitively high. These projects yield multiple ecological and socio-economic benefits for local communities and the environment. Standard projects can cost anywhere from $20-30 per ton of CO2e, premium projects cost $45-90 per metric ton.

Premium Climate Action Projects are available here.

How many projects can be engraved on my Counterbalance?

Counterbalance started in 2020 when scientists reported in the Global Carbon Report that we had 10 years left to take action on climate change to avoid the worst consequences. The bracelet is designed to be renewed every year, allowing you to select a new project to support and receive a new engraving.

The ten projects you can engrave on Counterbalance take climate action in the most cruical window to make bold, transformational change to avoid global temperatures from warming above 1.5 degrees celsius.

Where can I find specific project details?

Each of our project types supports a variety of different indivudal projects around the world. You will receive specific project details such as the location, project impacts, and photos within 10-14 days after receiving your Counterbalance.

We support a variety of different projects for each climate action strategy to maximize impact and make sure we can act as soon as a project is ready to be supported. As you support more projects and add engravings to your bracelet, you'll be supporting climate change mitigation globally for years to come.

What happens if a project sells out?

If a project type sells out before your order ships, you will be notified and another project will be substituted. If a project only has sufficient carbon credits to fulfill part of your order, an additional similar project will be selected to compensate. For example, if you select a Forest Restoration project and only 10 credits are available to fulfill your order for 20, you will receive 10 from that project and 10 from an additional project.

How do Counterbalance Membership Subscriptions work?

Subscribing to a Counterbalance membership provides a discount for your next engraved charm for a climate action project of your choice. Selection of project can be made up to a year in advance by contacting us at renewal@counterbalance.eco. All subscriptions can be cancelled in the customer portal or by contacting our support team.