Green Terminology (Source : Kids LA Magazine, Fall 2008)

Going Green - a phrase referring to individual action that a person can consciously take to curb harmful effects on the environment through consumer habits, behavior and lifestyle.

Carbon Footprint - the total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly to support human activities.

Eco-friendly - not damaging to the environment, intended or perceived to have no harmful effect on the natural environment and its inhabitants.

Climate Change - any change in global temperatures and precipitation over time due to natural variability or to human activity.

Biofuel / Biodiesel - fuel produced from renewable resources, especially plant biomass, vegetable oils, and treated municipal and industrial wastes.

Sustainability - meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Recycling - the process of collecting, sorting, cleaning, treating and reusing materials that would otherwise go
into landfills.

Greenhouse Effect - the rise in temperature that the Earth experiences because certain gases in the atmosphere (water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane, for example) trap energy from the sun.

Deforestation - the complete destruction and total clearing of all forests within a region.

Natural - a product that contains no artificial ingredients or added color and is only minimally processed.

Compost - the process of turning food and other waste into soil.

Global Warming - refers to an average increase in the Earth's temperature, which in turn causes changes in climate.

Organic - Certified Organic products have been raised or grown without the use of harmful toxic pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, hormones and fertilizers. No artificial colors or flavors have been added.

Biodegradable - Products and systems that use less energy to perform as well or better than standard products.

Solar Energy - energy derived from the sun.

Conservation - the preservation and wise use of water, forests, and other natural resoucres so they will not be damaged or wasted.

Hybrid - a car that runs on both electric battery and fuel, making the gas mileage extremely efficient and also produces fewer emissions which help control pollution in the enviroment.

Energy Efficient - products and systems that use less energy to perform as well or better than standard products.