Green Eco-Glossary Dictionary

Search our eco-glossary for green definitions of environmental terms and phrases without skimming an entire dictionary.

• Air Pollution

  Air Pollution consists of particles in the air which have a negative affect on the environment and human health. These particles come from toxic gases released during manufacturing processes, off-gassing, and transportation.

• Biodegradable

  A biodegradable product is made of natural, raw materials that will decompose quickly or rot into the earth without having a negative affect on the environment.

• Carbon Capture

  Carbon Capture is a method to reduce damaging emissions by trapping and holding carbon dioxide as it is being produced before it reaches the atmosphere.

• Carbon Dioxide

  Carbon Dioxide, better known as CO2, is a colorless chemical compound gas that is released into the atmosphere when vegetable and animal matter composes or as a by product of burning carbon.

• Carbon Footprint

  A Carbon Footprint is a measured amount of greenhouse gases. Many businesses emit greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during manufacturing, transportation, and other activities. Green businesses offset their carbon footprint in many ways including planting trees; these businesses are considered carbon neutral. Footprints are described in CO2 equivalent grams.

• Carbon Neutral

  Carbon neutral means being involved in human activities such as planting trees, which have reduced the creation of greenhouse gases through carbon offsetting.

• Carbon Neutral Design

  A Carbon-Neutral Design is essentially a process to design products, services, and buildings that minimize CO2 emissions through careful planning.

• Carbon Offsetting

  Carbon Offsetting is a way green businesses reduce the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere by balancing the amount of these gases through investments made in eco-friendly projects.

• Carbon Tax

  Carbon taxes are often added to the price of fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil, and coal based on the amount of carbon contained in the fuel.

• Chlorofluorocarbons

  Chlorofluorocarbons, commonly known as CFCS, are man-made chemical compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine. Cooling equipment such as air conditioners, fridges, and freezers often contain CFCs, which is bad because the compound damages the ozone layer.

• Conservation

  Conservation is a way to prevent natural resources such as animals, minerals, water, nutrients, and vegetation from depleting through preservation, protection, and limited usage.

• Contaminant

  A contaminant is a substance that is biological, chemical, radiological, or physical that has a negative effect on the earth.

• Contamination

  Contamination pertains to the presence of extraneous, infectious, material or contaminants that renders a substance or preparation impure or harmful.

• Daylighting

  Daylighting uses natural daylight and integrated design before building a house. The position of a house can be optimized to allow as much light into the interior as possible to encourage resource reduction and reduced energy costs.

• Dioxin

  Dioxin is a toxic substance created when plastics that contain chlorine are burnt.

• Disposable

  Disposable products are designed for or capable of being thrown away after being used or used up. Examples of disposable products include plastic spoons, plastic forks, and paper plates.

• Eco

  Eco is a combining form representing ecology in the formation of compounds. It is commonly used in front of environmental terms such as eco-friendly.

• Eco-consumer

  An eco-consumer is an environmentally conscious person who buys green products.

• Eco-design

  Eco-design considers ecological principles from concept to disposal and looks for the least amount of damage to the earth, climate, and natural environment.

• Eco-friendly

  Eco-friendly is a term used for materials and products that are made to reduce the negative effects on the environment. This term applies to activities and services which reduce the usage of nonrenewable sources in manufacturing, disposal, sourcing, and packaging.

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