United helps fliers offset carbon footprint

United Airlines on Wednesday unveiled a new Web-based tool to help passengers offset the greenhouse gas emissions produced during their flights.

At united.com/carbonoffset, passengers can estimate the damage done to the atmosphere by their trip on United on a carbon calculator and make a tax-deductible donation to an offsetting program.

Atlanta’s Delta Air Lines Inc. was the first U.S. carrier to introduce a carbon calculator to its passengers in April 2007. Continental Airlines and Virgin America have adopted similar programs.