Green Glossary provided by Greenzer

Green Glossary

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Geothermal energy is the energy generated by harnessing the heat stored beneath the Earth's surface. It is generated in the Earth's core, about 4,000 miles below the surface. The steam and hot water produced inside the Earth are used to heat buildings or generate electricity. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source because the water is replenished by rainfall and heat is continuously produced inside the Earth.

Glass recycling

Glass recycling is the process of turning waste glass into usable products. Glass is an ideal material for recycling and is used for manufacturing new glass containers, bricks and ceramics. Glass recycling helps to conserve raw materials, reduce energy consumption, and decrease the volume of waste sent to landfills.

Global warming

Global warming refers to an average increase in the near surface temperature of the Earth as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and ozone. This phenomenon leads to climatic changes, like variations in rainfall patterns and a rise in sea levels. Global warming also adversely affects plants, wildlife, and humans. Global warming is a type of climate change; however, climate change could include changes in temperature, humidity, rainfall, etc.

GMO

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are organisms whose genetic materials have been altered using genetic engineering. Many health professionals around the world have sounded the alarm on GMOs claiming environmental concerns such as increased cancer risk, allergens, toxins, and contamination.

Green design

Green, or sustainable, design is the art of designing and building objects to comply with the principles of economic, social and ecological sustainability. It ranges from designing small objects for everyday use to buildings, cities, and Earth's physical surface. It is a growing trend within many fields like architecture, urban planning, and engineering.

Green fatigue

Green fatigue is the weariness of all things being green. It stems in part from the feeling that no matter what people do to make their environment green, it will never be enough.

Green wedding

A green wedding involves an environment-friendly, socially responsible, and affordable wedding celebration. Green weddings typically incorporate recycling and waste reduction. Everything from invitations and wedding rings to the food served is eco-friendly. However, not everything has to be eco-friendly, as the rings and the food can certainly be traditional.

GreenGuard Certified

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) is an industry-independent, non-profit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification Program. As an ANSI Authorized Standards Developer, GEI establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor products, environments, and buildings. GEI’s mission is to improve public health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air.

Greenhouse effect

The phenomenon whereby the Earth's atmosphere traps solar radiation because of the presence of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane is called the greenhouse effect. In this process, short-wave incoming radiation passes readily through the Earth's atmosphere to surface areas. Longer-wave outgoing radiation, however, is absorbed and reradiated by water vapor, droplets, and carbon dioxide, which results in more heat being retained in the atmosphere. Without this phenomenon, the Earth would be uninhabitable by humans because the temperature would be too low.

GreenSeal Certified

GreenSeal works with manufacturers, industry sectors, purchasing groups, and governments at all levels to "green" the production and purchasing chain. It utilizes a life-cycle approach, which means we evaluate a product or service beginning with material extraction, continuing with manufacturing and use, and ending with recycling and disposal. Products only become Green Seal certified after rigorous testing and evaluation, including on-site plant visits.

Greywater

Greywater, also known as sullage, is non-industrial wastewater generated from domestic processes such as washing dishes, washing clothes, and bathing. It has a cloudy appearance, and differs from black water in its amount and composition of chemical and biological contaminants. It is free of fecal material and toxic chemicals. Treated greywater can be used for domestic and irrigational purposes.

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