Glossary
Carbon Footprint:
A measurement of the greenhouse gases an action produces. It is measured in units of tones (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent. Greenhouse gases, like water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorocarbons, contribute directly to the global warming effect.
There are two parts to a carbon footprint. The first part is a measure of our direct emissions of CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels including domestic energy consumption and transportation vehicles. These are things we have direct control over.
The second part of the footprint is a measure of the indirect CO2 emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we use. These include the emissions from the manufacturing process all the way through to the end of the life cycle impact with their breakdown.
Carbon Offsets:
A carbon offset is an emission reduction credit from a project by a company or organization that results in less carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere than would otherwise occur. Carbon offsets are available for purchase from some online retailers as well as some brokers. For more information, visit carbonfund.org.
Energy Vampire:
These are appliances that most of us have in our homes that still use electricity even when turned off. Common culprits include televisions, phone chargers, clock radios, etc. When you hear the term ‘phantom load’, they are referring to the amount of energy used when in the off position.
Fair Trade:
Fair Trade Certification empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace.
Fair Trade producers meet the criteria of craftsmanship, environmental protection, fair wage and labor conditions, and no forced child labor.
Green Washing:
The attempt by some to describe their products as ‘green’ when in fact they are not. With the awareness of the importance in buying products that are eco-friendly, many companies are trying to jump on the bandwagon with products that do nothing to protect the environment.
Natural:
Many manufacturers have been using this terms for years. The reality is that is has no regulated meaning. Therefore, when a product says ‘all natural products’, you really have no idea what that means and it is no indication of its value or eco-friendliness. That is not to say that when people use the term they are trying to deceive the consumer. But as the consumer, you need to read the labels to see just what the ingredients are and come to your own conclusion.
Organic:
A product that has been produced without synthetic chemicals in either is growing or manufacturing process, i.e., chemical fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, genetically modified organisms, irradiation and the use of farmlands that have been free of chemicals for a number of years (usually three or more).
To be certified organic is a labor intensive and often expensive endeavor. Producers must keep detailed written production and sales records, maintain a strict physical separation of organic products from non-certified products and undergo periodic on-site inspections.
Sustainable and Renewable Resources:
A resource that is replenished by natural processes a rate comparable or faster than its rate of consumption by humans or others. Solar, tides, winds are perpetual resources that are in no danger of being used in excess of their long-term availability. Bamboo is an example of a renewable resource because of its ability to replenish rapidly.
Sustainability also refers to the handling of waste products (biomass) in a manner that creates energy in the disposal process or benefit to another process.