Green Glossary provided by Greenzer

Green Glossary

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |

Carbon offsetting enables individuals and businesses to reduce the CO2 emissions they are responsible for by offsetting, reducing, or displacing CO2 emissions to another place, typically where it is more economical to do so. For instance, planting trees could be an attempt to offset CO2 being used. Carbon offsets typically include renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reforestation projects. Certain sources of offsetting have undergone scrutiny. For instance, planting trees has taken on criticism because of the lack to ensure the preservation of these planted forests and because studies have found that plants are large source of methane, which is a greenhouse gas.

Oil

Oil is a substance that is in a viscous liquid state at ambient temperatures. It is immiscible with water and nonpolar. There are many different types of oils including vegetable oils, petrochemical oils, and volatile essential oils.

Organic

Organic is when crops are grown organically (without toxic or harmful chemicals) and the byproducts of these crops are used to produce goods. For instance, an example could be organically grown cotton being used to produce T-shirts.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production.

Organic crib

An organic crib mattress is typically made of certified natural organic cotton and organic wool, which are environment-preferable fabrics. This kind of mattress provides many benefits, such as non-toxic fire protection. It also helps maximize air circulation and minimize the baby’s perspiration by containing soft, absorbent, and breathable linens.

Organic Wool

In order for wool to be certified as "organic," it must be produced in accordance with federal standards for organic livestock production. Federal requirements for organic livestock production include: Livestock feed and forage used from the last third of gestation must be certified organic; Use of synthetic hormones and genetic engineering is prohibited; Use of synthetic pesticides (internal, external, and on pastures) is prohibited, and Producers must encourage livestock health through good cultural and management practices.

Organically Grown

Though this term has been subject to considerable debate, for our purposes, organic food and fibers are produced without using most pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge.

Ozone layer

The ozone layer is a layer in Earth's atmosphere that contains relatively high concentrations of ozone, a reactive gas that is harmful at ground level but makes up the ozone layer. This layer absorbs 93-99% of the sun's high frequency ultraviolet light, which is harmful to life on earth. It is located in the lower portion of the stratosphere, approximately 10 to 50 km above the Earth's surface, though the thickness varies seasonally and geographically.

Green Glossary

Lifestyle