Great Green Idea: Green Living: Ten Definitions for a New Greener Earth

Ten Definitions for a New Greener Earth

To better understand environmental preservation concepts such as conserving resources and living green, it is useful to know what the terminology means. Learning the meaning behind the terms reduces the chance this language becomes just spoken and written words which carry no real force or effect no real change toward the goal of a greener earth.

Biodegradable

Biodegradable is a term referring to waste or material which degrades, or breaks down, in a short period of time. This waste usually comes from plant or animal sources that can be degraded by living organisms such as green and paper waste as well as sewage and human waste.

Carbon Neutral

A carbon neutral company or individual contributes to a greener earth by offsetting the effect that their carbon emissions have on the environment. This involves actions such as planting greenery in another location to remove carbon dioxide. The ultimate goal of carbon neutrality is to achieve a zero carbon footprint.

Environmental Technology

Also known as biotech, environmental technology focuses on ways in which human health and the environment can be improved. Issues such as clean water, sustainability and waste reduction are just a few environmental technology concerns.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are deposits which develop naturally over many years and come directly from the environment. Examples of fossil fuels are coal, oil and natural gas.

Green Technology

Green technology refers to the practical application of knowledge used to create innovative ways of developing methods, materials and techniques to make for a greener earth. These tools include lifestyle changes, education and technology. Developments in energy conservation and efficiency, green building and chemicals are examples of green technology.

Greenwashing

Greenwashing is the term used when businesses exaggerate their involvement in greener earth concerns and initiatives. These businesses make these claims that their products and services offer benefit to the planet for the sole purpose of being more competitive in their industry.

Herbicide

Herbicide is the killing of plants or inhibiting their growth. The weapon of choice for those that commit herbicide is usually chemicals.

Organic Food

Organic food has been grown without the use of fertilizers or chemical pesticides. Meat products from animals who have not ingested chemicals in the vegetation they have eaten or been given any type of hormones can be consider organic food as well.

Ozone Safe/Ozone Friendly

A product and its packaging usually developed as a result of environmental technology that does not harm the atmosphere by depleting the ozone layer nor forms ground level ozone when it is used. Aerosol sprays such as used in deodorants, home air sprays and the like have been changed to become more ozone friendly in recent years.

Sustainability

As it relates to a greener earth, sustainability refers to cautionary harvesting of the planet's resources so as not to deplete them or cause damage to such an extent they are no longer usable. Sustainability utilizes different methods to build, farm and produce electricity which limits the risk of depleting resources. Sustainability has been a concern due to the present high demand placed on the earth's natural resources; which puts resources for future generations at risk.