Alternative Energy: sources of energy that come from sources other than fossil fuels, such as wind and solar.
Alternative Fuel: sources of fuel such as bio fuels and electricity; not derived from oil.
Biodegradable: a substance or material that will break down over time. See our composting article for more information.
Composting: the process of organic wastes naturally breaking down, resulting in matter that is mineral rich and suitable for fertilizing plants. See our composting article for more information.
Conservation: a term used to describe the act of preserving natural resources.
Energy efficiency: reducing the amount of energy needed to accomplish various tasks, such as heating a home.
Hybrid: a vehicle that uses both electricity and fuel power, resulting in lower gas usage. See our article on hybrid vehicles for more information.
Life cycle assessment: the method by which the full impact of a product is evaluated from the basic material to eventual disposal
Low-emission vehicles: automobiles that produce less pollution than other vehicles. See our article on hybrid vehicles for more information.
Offsetting: the process of replacing resources, such as when foresters plant multiple trees for each tree they use.
Organic: any material or food item that is produced without artificial pesticides, hormones, or fertilizer.
Post consumer waste: material that is gathered after disposal for recycling.
Recycle symbol: a symbol of three arrows flowing in a triangle used to signify how a product can be recycled. See our article on plastic recycling symbols.
Recycling: the process of converting old material into new materials once they have been used in another form.
Reduce: diminishing the amount of disposable products that are consumed.
Renewable Energy: alternative energy sources such as wind and solar.
Reuse: using an item continually or in a creative fashion instead of recycling or disposing of it.
Solar Energy: energy that is produced from the sun.
Wind Power: energy that is harnessed from wind.
