All sustainable journeys must start from somewhere, and sometimes it can be hard to find all the information at once. As you continue to embark on the journey to a more sustainable way of life, we have compiled this glossary to educate and inform you!
Eco Terms
Biodegradable
Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
Biofuel
Any fuel that is derived from biomass—that is, plant or algae material or animal waste.
Biomaterial
Materials that come from plants, such as cotton, silk, or wood.
Biomass
Plant or animal materials used to create energy.
Bioplastics
A type of biodegradable plastic derived from biological materials rather than from petroleum, or oil.
Byproduct
Excess material produced.
Carbon Credits
A permit that allows the company that holds it to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases.
Carbon Emissions
Pollution released into the atmosphere from carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide; often produced by motor vehicles.
Carbon Footprint
The amount of carbon dioxide produced by your lifestyle.
Carbon Neutral
Producing no net carbon dioxide emissions, especially through planting trees as offsets.
Carbon Offset
A measure to offset the emissions of carbon dioxide caused by industrial or other human activity.
Circular Sustainability
Creating products that last and can be reused, repaired, and remanufactured.
Climate Change
A long-term change in the average weather patterns that define Earth's local, regional and global climates.
Climate Positive
Exceeding achieving carbon neutrality by removing additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; also referred to as carbon negative.
Closed-Loop
A system where everything is recycled and reused.
Compostable
A product that can disintegrate into non-toxic, natural elements.
Composting
The natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants.
Conservation
The careful maintenance and upkeep of a natural resource to prevent it from disappearing.
Deforestation
The purposeful clearing of forested land.
Drought
Extremely low rainfall over a prolonged period leading to water shortages.
