Glossary of Green Terms

Biodegradable: Material typically originating from plant or animal sources, which may be broken down by other living organisms. Waste that cannot be broken down by other living organisms may be called non-biodegradable.

Cap-and-Trade Program:
An administrative approach used to control pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in the emissions of pollutants. A “cap,” usually set by a government or international body, sets the limit on the amount of a pollutant that can be emitted. Companies or other groups are issued emission permits and are required to hold an equivalent number of allowances (or credits) under the cap limit. If they wish to exceed this limit, they must buy credits from those who pollute less. This transfer of allowances is referred to as a trade.

Compact Florescent Lightbulbs (CFLs): Energy-saving lightbulbs that use florescent light instead of incandescent. (CFLs contain mercury, so be careful when disposing)

Carbon Footprint: A measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide.
Electric Car: A vehicle using one or more electric motors for propulsion.

Hybrid: A vehicle with an internal combustion engine that uses two or more distinct power sources for propulsion.

Kyoto Protocol: An international set of rules adopted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which commits member countries to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases that cause climate change, or to engage in emissions trading if they fail to reduce these emissions.

LED lights: Light-emitting diodes, which can emit incoherent narrow-spectrum light, typically emit a single wavelength of light when charged with electricity and use less energy than conventional lights.
Parabens: Synthetically produced group of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

PCF: (Processed Chlorine Free)
A certification for paper products which mandates that bleaching agents be free of chlorine compounds.

Photovoltaic cells: A technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity.

Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR): Waste produced by the end consumer of a material stream that is then reused in the production of another product.

Renewable Energy: Power created by the use of natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat, which are naturally replenished.

TCF (Totally Chlorine Free): Produced without the use of chlorine or chlorine compounds.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) Harmful compounds that easily vaporize into the atmosphere and contribute to greenhouse gases, sick building syndrome and contaminated groundwater. VOCs are commonly found in paints, carpet backing, plastics, cosmetics and polishes.