Green Glossary provided by Greenzer

Green Glossary

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Paraben

Parabens are a group of chemicals that can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels, personal lubricants, topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals, spray tanning solution, toothpaste and are also used as food additives. Parabens have been a source of controversy as studies have shown they can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers and can inhibit development of the male reproductive system.

PCF

Processed chlorine free (PCF) refers to recycled paper in which the recycled content is unbleached or bleached without chlorine or chlorine derivatives. Dioxins and other toxins and pollutants created by chlorine and its derivatives are often referred to as chlorinated organic compounds. The dioxins have been associated with adverse affects on the immune and reproductive systems of human as well as those of fish and wildlife species.

Photovoltaic panels

A photovoltaic module is a packaged, interconnected assembly of photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells. When these modules are collected, mechanically fastened together, wired, and designed as a field-installable unit, sometimes with a glass covering, a frame and backing made of metal, plastic or fiberglass, they are known as photovoltaic panels or solar panels. These panels are used to convert light from the sun into electricity.

Phthalates

Phthalates are controversial chemicals used in hair products, deodorants, body lotions, fragrances and nail polishes. Health advocates argue that use of these chemicals among women of child-bearing age is leading to birth defects and declining sperm counts across the globe, while others argue that phthalates have been used for years and there is no evidence that they cause any harm in humans. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.

PLA

Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable, thermoplastic, aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources, such as corn starch (in the U.S.) or sugarcanes (rest of world).

Planned obsolescence

Planned obsolescence is the process of a product intentionally becoming obsolete and non-functional after a certain period. Planned obsolescence has potential benefits for a producer because when the product fails, the consumer is under pressure to purchase again, whether from the same manufacturer (a replacement part or a newer model), or from a competitor, who might also rely on planned obsolescence. The idea behind planned obsolescence is to hide the real cost per use from consumers and charge a higher price than they would otherwise be willing to pay.

Plastic

Plastic is the general term used for a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that can be molded into objects or filaments. They are composed of addition polymers and may contain other substances to improve their performance or reduce manufacturing costs. Plastic poses many problems to the environment, as it is mostly non-biodegradable. Even plastic that is biodegradable takes a long time to decompose.

Plastic bags

A plastic bag or pouch is a type of flexible packaging made of thin, flexible plastic film. Plastic bags are used for containing and transporting foods, produce, powders, ice, chemicals, waste and more. Most bags are heat-sealed together and some are bonded with adhesives or are stitched.

Plastic recycling

Plastic recycling is the process of recovering scrap or waste plastics and reprocessing the material into useful products, sometimes completely different from their original state. All types of plastics are recyclable, but plastics have different formulations and should be sorted according to their resin identification code before they are recycled to make new products.

Post Consumer Recycled

Not the same as post-industrial waste, which is just the reintroduction of manufacturing scraps into the manufacturing process, ‘post-consumer’ means any material that has been used by a consumer and then recycled for use in a new product.

Post-consumer waste

Post-consumer waste is produced by the end consumer of a material stream. This is waste that does not lead to the production of another product. Though it can be recycled, post-consumer waste is typically thrown in the garbage, incinerated, or poured down the drain. Examples of post-consumer waste are used batteries and packaging.

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