30 Green Terms to Know

Today, “going green” is nothing new and caring about the environment has become part of daily life for many businesses. Consumers are becoming more aware of environmental issues and are increasingly drawn to brands that prioritise sustainability. However, this new wave of eco-enlightenment often comes with a secondary wave of eco-confusion.?

With so many new buzzwords in circulation, it can be easy for the everyday shopper, or even the small business owner, to mix up a few meanings. In this guide, we define some of the most popular words and phrases in the sustainability space to make green marketing lingo easier to navigate for everyone involved.?

1. Biodegradable

Products or materials that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms in the soil, such as bacteria and fungi. It’s important to remember that different materials break down at different rates and biodegradable products can still cause litter and pollution.

2. Biodiversity

The degree of diversity of plant, animal, and microscopic life in a specific region.

3. Biofuel

Fuel made from plant materials such as vegetable oil or natural sugars. Biofuels come in liquid, solid, and gas forms and emit fewer greenhouse gases during burning than petroleum products.

4. Carbon dioxide emissions

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted into the atmosphere as a result of human activities that involve burning coal, diesel, petrol, paraffin, or natural gas to generate energy.

5. Carbon footprint

The total amount of carbon released into the atmosphere as the direct and indirect result of one person or business’s lifetime activities. Actions that contribute towards your carbon footprint include using electricity or gas, burning fuel for transport, and heating and cooling your home.

6. Carbon-neutral

A state where the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere is the same as the amount removed. Also known as “net-zero”, businesses and individuals can achieve carbon neutrality by eliminating the use of fossil fuels or offsetting their emissions with activities that pull CO2 out of the air.

7. Carbon offsetting

Reducing the impact of carbon emissions in one area of your life or business by simultaneously conducting other activities that help to reduce CO2 levels in the atmosphere.

8. Biological Carbon sequestration

A natural process that occurs when plants and microorganisms remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it for future use. CO2 can also be stored in our soils and oceans.

Geological Carbon sequestration is the capturing, removal and permanent storage of CO2 from the earth’s atmosphere. It’s recognised as a key method for removing carbon from the earth’s atmosphere.

9. Carbon sink

Natural systems that store more carbon than they emit, namely forests, oceans, and soils.

10. Circular economy

An economic system that aims to minimise waste by reusing resources indefinitely instead of throwing them away. Circular economies create a closed-loop system for all materials, products, and natural resources through reuse, repair, recycling, and refurbishment.

11. Compostable

The ability to biodegrade into compost – a natural fertiliser made from decaying organic matter. Composting is a controlled process that requires heat, ventilation, and the addition of specific microorganisms.

12. Deforestation

Clearing natural woodlands to make space for human activities such as commercial farming or urban development.

13. Eco-friendly

A non-specific term for an action that claims to be better for the environment.

14. Eco-tourism

Tourism that aims to lower the environmental impact of travel by offering holidaymakers more environmentally sustainable accommodation, food, and transport options.

15. E-Waste

Discarded end-of-life electronics and electrical equipment such as appliances, computers, cell phones, lighting, and batteries. Waste electronics and electrical goods contain valuable metals that can be recycled. On the flip side, e-waste may contain heavy metals and chemicals that make it highly toxic to people, plants, and animals if not processed in an environmentally sound manner.

16. Extended producer responsibility (EPR)

An economic system where producers are held liable for the pollution their products create. Producers subject to mandatory EPR are legally obliged to provide sustainable product disposal options for their customers.

17. Fair Trade

An international organisation that champions farmers’ and workers’ rights in developing countries, promoting environmental sustainability, fair compensation, and better working conditions in marginalised communities. Businesses with Fair Trade certification work with suppliers that uphold high social and environmental standards.

18. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

An international organisation that promotes sustainable forestry. FSC-certified paper and wood come from timber plantations that minimise deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat destruction while providing equitable working conditions for farm workers.

19. Fossil fuels

Natural fuels found in the earth’s crust formed over millions of years from dead plants and animals. Examples of fossil fuels include petrol, oil, natural gas, diesel, and coal.

20. Greenhouse effect

Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (such as carbon dioxide and methane) trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping into space. The greenhouse effect is an essential process for life on Earth. However, greenhouse gas concentrations that are too high can negatively impact our climate.

21. Green Star South Africa

A rating system used by the Green Building Council of South Africa to assess a building’s environmental performance in terms of energy usage, water and waste management, and internal conditions for occupants.

22. Greenwashing

When a business uses misleading marketing tactics to make its products seem more eco-friendly than they actually are.

23. Life cycle assessment

The process of determining the total environmental impact of a product by examining raw material sourcing, production, distribution, and disposal.

24. Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

An international organisation that promotes sustainable seafood production and prevents overfishing by offering environmental certification to fisheries worldwide.

25. Microplastics

Plastic pieces under 5 mm in length can pollute water sources and pose health risks to humans and animals. Microplastics include fragments of larger plastic debris and polymer strands or beads found in synthetic textiles and personal care products.

26. Permaculture

An agricultural approach that mimics natural ecosystems by preserving biodiversity, recycling natural resources, and minimising waste. It emphasises living and working in harmony with nature. Permaculture is not restricted to farms and is often practised in urban environments via rooftop gardens or vertical planting.

27. Renewable energy

Energy from sources of infinite supply, such as the sun, wind, and moving water. Renewable energy does not rely on fossil fuels.

28. Rewilding

The process of restoring nature to its original, wild form by letting natural ecosystems flourish with minimal human interference.

29. Sustainability

The practice of considering the future environmental implications of your current actions. Sustainable development means growth that can continue indefinitely without any adverse effects on nature.

30. Zero-waste

A lifestyle, business practice, or manufacturing process that sends as little waste to landfills as possible by composting, recycling, and reusing materials and products while reducing overall consumption.

?Go Green With eWASA?

The terminology in this guide is by no means exhaustive, as the sustainability sector is constantly changing. For more detailed information about any of the terms above or help going green within your business, please contact eWASA. We help companies that trade in the South African market meet their EPR obligations, reduce waste across the value chain, and make a positive environmental impact.