Term

Definition

Upside (Optimist)

Balancing Act (Cynic)

Cradle to Cradle

The concept of consuming or using something that will eventually after consumption or waste, will find it’s way back to becoming the very thing it was to start – a closed loop

A wonderful thought process taking into account all aspects of product creation and disposal.

This is the kind of thinking that can drive you insane.

Earth friendly

Generally practices or products that have a small impact on the earth’s resources.

See Eco-friendly or Environment-friendly.

See Eco-friendly or Environment-friendly.

Eco-anxiety

A new term used to define those who are worried sick over various environmental doomsday scenarios

Many people are prone to overthinking. This new term provides for the overwhelming nature of the challenge we’ve created.

For those who are feeling a victim of the current state of the planet, this terms allows them to embrace the problem personally. I’m not qualified to speak to disorders!

Eco-conscious

Being an informed purchaser. Knowing or having an understanding of what effect what you are doing, buying or using has on the environment.

If you have kids, you’re likely more eco-conscious now than you were 10 years ago.

If you’re still throwing things out the car window, you’re eco-UNconscious.

Eco-friendly

A term used to describe products that are not harmful to the environment in either their production or post usage life

In it’s best form, a term that can help consumers and others distinguish environment improving products.

Can be used to describe a broad range of products that are not of themselves eco-friendly, but, may be a better choice than “less eco-friendly” alternatives.

Eco-tourism

Travel that entails destinations where natural and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Typically including environmental awareness aspects of the locale.

For those seeking the experience of being in special places, not much can eclipse this style of travel and tourism.

If you’re a fan of immersion education, see these places now before they are overrun with suburbs or devoid of what made them special.

Environmental cost

An economic method derived to quantify the human or other secondary or tertiary costs not typically borne by a single producer.

Just existing has an environmental cost. Working to keep the cost as low as possible is a practical approach.

Often used to describe the demise of a formerly considered unlimited resource. If one’s perspective is short term human consumption exclusively, this never matters.

Environmentally friendly

A general (non-technical) term that identifies a product or practice that does not harm the environment.

Not unlike eco-friendly, just a longer word.

If it’s not environmentally friendly somehow, it’s not even IN the Green universe. This represents the minimum charge for admission.

Fair-trade

Defines a payment practice and overall business relationship based on delivering to generally artisinal or agricultural producers a fair wage based on costs of production.

A great concept with relatively short supply chains where producers are only a step or two away from consumers, or for products that require a relatively uncomplicated production process – e.g. wine.

Doesn’t really translate to manufactured goods very well. A major component of some extreme green’s sustainability perspective.

Forest stewardship council

A certification system established for forests and forest products designed to provide sustainability to forests and a common interpretation for how that can be achieved.

A helpful tool to understand the paper products producers which are paying attention to the forests.

It’s still virgin wood. If all paper used contained a high percentage of recycled fibers and a small percentage of FSC, that would be great. If paper producers use this as an excuse to not incorporate recycled content, that’s ashame.

Fossil Fuel

Used to define a wide range of fuels derived from geologic extraction. Oil, Coal, Oil Shale, Natural Gas, etc.

Pretty far from renewable. If it took a million years to produce, we should only use one millionth of it in any given year.

Until oil reaches, say $200 per barrel, will alternatives be embraced instead of just explored.