“Never doubt
that a small
group of thoughtful, committed
citizens can change
the world;
indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
— Margaret Mead
Going Green Publications
P. O. Box 3164
Wilmington, NC 28406
910.547.4390
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Tips and Resources
quick links to sources on this page
Green Tips | Local Green Resources | National Green Resources | Glossary
Green Tips
Becoming more eco-friendly and learing to “go green” is a gradual process. 
Make one small change every week and you’ll be making a difference to your community and our planet before you know it.
Local Tip
Find Your Local Officials
Contacting your decision-makers by email is an easy way to let your elected officials know where you stand. The North Carolina Conservation Network has an “Action Center” [www.ncconservationnetwork.org/action] page of suggestions for how you can make your voice heard on environmental issues important to you. Enter your zip code at their “Legislator Look-up” page, and you’ll see a list of your Federal and North Carolina elected officials, complete with email addresses.
Global Tip
Give your child a “Green Hour” a day
As a society, we are raising the first generation of Americans to grow up disconnected from nature.
Today’s overscheduled kids are increasingly "plugged in" to electronic devices and media and unplugged from the fundamental and formative experience of nature in their own neighborhood. Their senses -- including, most sadly, their sense of wonder -- are bombarded, overwhelmed, and ultimately diminished. However, by giving our children a "Green Hour" a day -- a bit of time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world -- we can set them on the path toward physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The National Wildlife Federation recommends that parents give their kids a "Green Hour" every day, a time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world. This can take place in a garden, a backyard, the park down the street, or any place that provides safe and accessible green spaces where children can learn and play.
To give parents and caregivers the information, tools, and inspiration to get their kids -- and themselves -- outside, NWF has created GREENHOUR.ORG, a Web site rich in family-friendly content and which hosts a supportive virtual community where families can learn, explore, and share their outdoor experiences and backyard adventures.
Local Green Resources
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quick links to local resources
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Airlie Gardens
Historic public garden providing cultural and environmental education.
www.airliegardens.org
American Institute of Architects – Wilmington Section
Continuing education seminars to members as well as public outreach to educate the public
www.aianc.org
Audubon North Carolina – Cape Fear Audubon Society
To conserve and restore natural ecosystems within our region, focusing on birds and other wildlife for the benefit of humanity and North Carolina’s biological diversity.
www.capefearaudubon.org
Bald Head Island Conservancy
Protects and preserves the natural environment of the Smith Island complex. The Conservancy offers educational programs throughout the year — weekly during the summer season — to educate visitors about Bald Head Island’s unique environment.
www.bhic.org
Brunswick Beekeepers Association
Established chapter of the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association. Receive personal advice from beekeepers in the local community to learn beekeeping and to stay up-to-date on successful beekeeping methods.
www.ncbeekeepers.org/chapters.htm
Brunswick Community College
Offers Associate in Applied Science Degrees in horticulture and in aquaculture technology. BCC’s 2+2 agreement with UNCW enables BCC Aquaculture Technology students to transfer aquaculture coursework into UNCW’s B.S. Marine Biology program.
www.brunswick.cc.nc.us
Brunswick County Cooperative Extension Office
Information resource for residents of Brunswick County.
brunswick.ces.ncsu.edu
Brunswick Electric Membership Cooperative
BEMC is North Carolina’s fastest growing electric cooperative with over 62,000 customers.
www.bemc.org
Cape Fear Biofuels
Co-op developing a biofuels infrastructure and related technologies in the region while creating moral, economic, and social value through sustainable development.
www.capefearbiofuels.com
Cape Fear Citizens for a Safe Environment
Organized to fight the building of Hugo Neu landfill, now encouraging legislation to strengthen landfill regulations in North Carolina.
www.stopthedump.com
Cape Fear Climate Action Network
A local citizen network providing support, advocacy, and recognition for climate action initiatives in the Cape Fear region.
www.capefearcan.com
Cape Fear Cyclists
The information hub for Southeastern cyclists!
www.capefearcyclists.org
Cape Fear Community College (CFCC)
Architectural technology curriculum.
www.cfcc.edu/programs/at
Cape Fear Green Building Alliance (CFGBA)
Promotes the construction of environmentally responsible, profitable, healthy places to live and work.
www.cfgba.org
Cape Fear Museum of History of Science
Oldest museum in North Carolina tells stories of the region’s history, science and cultures through exhibition and educational programs.
www.capefearmuseum.com
Cape Fear Regional Beekeepers Association
Newly-formed chapter of the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association. Receive personal advice from beekeepers in the local community to learn beekeeping and to stay up-to-date on successful beekeeping.
email: methods.gldeagle@bellsouth.net
Cape Fear River Watch
Environmental education, advocacy and action for the Lower Cape Fear River basin.
www.cfrw.us
Carolina Farm Stewardship Foundation
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association’s mission is to promote local and organic agriculture in the Carolinas by inspiring, educating and organizing farmers and consumers. Produces Carolina Guide to Local & Organic Food.
www.carolinafarmstewards.org
Dogwood Alliance
Nonprofit works to educate people about the importance of forests and the negative environmental impacts of business as usual paper production. Having achieved systemic change throughout the paper industry through public campaigns against office super stores--the largest retail paper sellers in the U.S.--they are now addressing protection for Southern forests and forests all over the world.
www.dogwoodalliance.org
Earth Day Alliance
Organizers of the Lower Cape Fear Celebration of Earth Day.
Electric Vehicle Automobile Association (EVAA) – Coastal Carolinas / Wilmington
Local chapter provides e-mail of current developments and legislation
www.eaaev.org or e-mail: pagepaterson@mac.com
Environment North Carolina
This is a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization. The professional staff combines independent research, practical ideas and tough-minded advocacy to overcome the opposition of powerful special interests and win real results for North Carolina's environment.
www.environmentnorthcarolina.org
Friends of Mountains to Sea Trail
The Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) of North Carolina is a 935+ mile trail consisting of footpaths, roads, and state bike routes. Friends of MST’s efforts are underway so that one day a complete foot trail will reach across the state, from the Mountains to the Sea.
www.ncmst.org
Full Belly Project
Designs and distrib
utes labor-saving, locally-replicable agricultural devices to relieve hunger and create economic opportunities in developing countries.
www.fullbellyproject.org
Ingram Planetarium
State-of-the-art facility in Sunset Beach seats 85 people in its 40-ft dome theater. Our mission is to stimulate the general public’s interest and understanding of natural science, environment, and cultural history of the coastal region of the Carolinas as well as a broader understanding of our Earth, solar system, and universe by providing quality educational facilities for the public and school students through activities and exhibits.
www.ingramplanetarium.org
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
Dedicated to rescuing sea turtles and educating the public about them. Founder and Director Jean Beasley is Animal Planet’s Hero of the Year.
www.seaturtlehospital.org
Keep America Beautiful of New Hanover County
This is a local non-profit that seeks to prevent litter, encourage waste reduction methods such as recycling, and promote community beautification projects. Their efforts include education and outreach, litter cleanups and tree and flower plantings.
www.nhcgov.com/AgnAndDpt/KAB/Pages/KeepAmericaBeautifulofNHC.aspx
Museum of Coastal Carolina, Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Our Mission is to stimulate interest and understanding
of the natural science, environment, and cultural history of the Coastal Carolinas.
www.museumofcc.org
Native Plant Society – Cape Fear Chapter
Promotes enjoyment and conservation of native plants and their habitats through education, protection, and propagation.
e-mail: truscottd@bellsouth.net
The Nature Conservancy
Three decades of conservation in North Carolina have led to 700,000 acres protected.
www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/northcarolina
New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Office
Information resource for residents of New Hanover County.
newhanover.ces.ncsu.edu
NC GreenPower
Independent, nonprofit organization established to improve North Carolina’s environment through voluntary contributions toward renewable energy. First statewide green energy program in the nation supported by all the state’s utilities. www.ncgreenpower.org
NC HealthyBuilt Homes program
The NC HealthyBuilt Homes Program provides a certificate for homes meeting “green home guidelines” built by residential builders who practice sustainable, high performance building strategies.
www.healthybuilthomes.org
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
WRC is dedicated to the wise-use, conservation, and management of the state’s fish and wildlife resources.
www.ncwildlife.org
North Carolina Aquariums
Inspiring appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments. The North Carolina Aquariums operate three facilities located
on Roanoke Island, at Pine Knoll Shores, and at Fort Fisher.
www.ncaquariums.com
North Carolina Coastal Federation
NCCF is a non-profit tax-exempt organization dedicated to involving citizens in decisions about managing coastal resources. It provides citizens and groups with technical information and assistand they need to take an active role in the stewardship of North Carolina’s coastal water quality and natural resources.
www.nccoast.org
North Carolina Coastal Land Trust
Non-profit organization formed to help protect locally and regionally valuable natural areas and waters.
www.coastallandtrust.org
North Carolina Conservation Network
Statewide network of over 120 environmental, community and environmental justice organizations focused on protecting North Carolina’s environment and public health.
www.ncconservationnetwork.org
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
North Carolina Cooperative Extension is based at North Carolina’s two land-grant institutions, NC State University and NC A&T State University, in all 100 counties and on the Cherokee Reservation.
www.ces.ncsu.edu
North Carolina Office of Environmental Education
The Office of Environmental Education serves as a clearinghouse linking people to Environmental Education (EE) materials, facilities, programs and professionals across the state. Their staff serves all North Carolinians whether in the field of education, business, government, non-profit, or members of the general public.
www.eenorthcarolina.org
North Carolina Sierra Club – Cape Fear Chapter
The Sierra Club works to pass groundbreaking environmental legislation from local to national levels.
nc.sierraclub.org/capefear/index.html
North Carolina Solar Center
Clearinghouses for solar and other renewable energy programs, information, research, technical assistance and training, for citizens of North Carolina and beyond.
www.ncsc.ncsu.edu
North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA)
NCSEA is a 501c3 non-profit membership organization of individuals and businesses interested in sustainable energy. Located in Raleigh but active throughout the state, NCSEA works to ensure a sustainable future by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in North Carolina through education, public policy and economic development.
www.ncsustainableenergy.org or Energync.org
North Carolina Sustainable Building Design Competition (NCSBDC)
NCSBDC began in 2000 as a way to engage students in universities, colleges and community colleges to learn and apply the lessons of sustainable design and construction. Each year statewide winners see their design built as part of the grand prize.
www.advancedenergy.org/sbdc/about/index.html
Pender County Cooperative Extension Office
Pender County Center gives our county’s residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension agents deliver unbiased, research-based information to Pender County citizens. We can answer your questions on a wide array of topics.
pender.ces.ncsu.edu
Penderwatch & Conservancy
Advocates for the environment.
www.penderwatch.org
SENCFS
The Southeastern North Carolina Food Systems (SENCFS) Project is a partnership of public and private institutions and agencies among six counties along and adjoining the I-74 corridor east of I-95. The SENCFS includes both rural and urban counties in order to maximize market opportunities and profits from the sales of local farm products for both local and regional markets.
http://people.uncw.edu/hossfeldl/
SMARTT Challenge
The EV Challenge has expanded its focus to include not only electric but additional alternative transportation fuels and technologies. The program will now be called the SMARTT Challenge. SMARTT is an acronym for “Students Making Advancements in Renewable Transportation Technology.”
www.evchallenge.org
Surfrider Foundation – Cape Fear Chapter
Holding our elected officials responsible for the preservation of our natural resources and the continued smart, well planned growth of our city.
www.surfrider.org/capefear
Tidal Creek Co-op
Natural foods cooperative business.
www.tidalcreek.coop
University of North Carolina—Wilmington (UNCW)
Environmental degree programs, extensive environmental course offerings.
www.uncwil.edu/evs
Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association
The largest trade association in eastern North Carolina, WCFHBA serves as the voice of the building and development industries in New Hanover and Pender Counties. It represents more than 1,025 member-firms, employing 9,000 individuals.
www.wilmingtonhomebuilders.com
National Green Resources
Alliance To Save Evergy
www.ase.org/section/program/greenschl
Helps free up more resources for education while strengthening academic learning. The Alliance’s Green Schools Program engages students in creating energy-saving activities in their schools, using hands-on, real-world projects.
American Solar Energy Society
Nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the use of solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies in the U.S.
www.ases.org
Boating Clean & Green
www.coastal.ca.gov/ccbn/ccbndx.html
California tips that apply to the east coast. The Boating Clean and Green Campaign is an education and outreach program that promotes environmentally sound boating practices to marine business and boaters in California.
Built Green
www.builtgreen.net
See what’s happening across the country with this nonprofit, residential building program in Washington state that certifies homes built with eco-friendly principles on a five-star system.
Earth Force
www.earthforce.org
Award-winning, international education program that involves young people in hands-on river education, conservation and restoration projects.
Energy Star
www.energystar.gov
Federal program that labels household products that have met energy-efficient standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
FSC 
www.fsc.org
Forest Stewardship Council certifies wood and wood products and promotes responsible forest management. Its certification ensures wood is harvested sustainably and then tracks the wood through manufacturing to the store. Considered the leading standard for responsible forestry management.
Green-e
www.green-e.org
Green-e is the nation’s leading independent consumer protection program for the sale of renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions in the retail market.
GreenDimes
This group stops your entire household’s junk mail and plants 10 trees on your behalf for $20. They also offer you the choice to remove only the catalogs you don’t want. In just over a year, they've stopped 3 million pounds of junk mail and saved and/or planted 1,000,000 trees.
>>visit the site www.greendimes.com
Green Seal
www.greenseal.org
Nonprofit group that independently tests household products to meet its environmental standards.
LEED
www.usgbc.org/LEED
National program by the U.S. Green Building Council that certifies commercial buildings and homes as environmentally friendly based on performance.
USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
The Cooperative Extension System is a nationwide, non-credit educational network. Each U.S. state and territory has a state office at its land-grant university and a network of local or regional offices. These offices are staffed by one or more experts who provide useful, practical, and research-based information to agricultural producers, small business owners, youth, consumers, and others in rural areas and communities of all sizes. Link to find your nearest Cooperative Extension office.
www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension
U.S. Green Building Council
USGBC is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to sustainable building design and construction. Developers of the LEED building rating system.
www.usgbc.org
Glossary of Green Terms
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quick links to terms
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Acid rain
Rain with increased acidity due to absorption of airborne pollutants such as C02 and sulphur dioxide. Acid rain is rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic. It has harmful effects on plants, aquatic animals and buildings. Acid rain is mostly caused by human emissions of sulfur and nitrogen compounds which react in the atmosphere to produce acids.
Bali Roadmap
The Bali roadmap, named after the Indonesian island where the deal was struck in December 2007, is an important milestone. The roadmap will plot how all countries must take action to tackle climate change, with aims to produce an international convention by the end of 2009.
Biodegradable
Any material that can be broken down by living things including micro-organisms such as bacteria. Biodegradation is the process by which organic substances are broken down by living organisms, and nitrogen compounds which react in the atmosphere to produce acids.
Biodiversity
The variety of different species within a set habitat. For example, the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest is greater than that of the Gobi desert.
Biofuels
Biofuel (also called agrofuel) can be broadly defined as solid, liquid, or gas fuel consisting of, or derived from biomass. A fuel that is made from (in whole or in part) renewable organic sources, such as rapeseed oil. These can include refined fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel as well as unrefined such as wood.
Biomass
In energy terms, biomass refers to the use of organic material for the generation of heat, electricity or motive power. Biomass is the mass per unit area of living plant material, or, the organic materials produced by plants, such as leaves, roots, seeds, and stalks. Biomass is produced from organic materials, either directly from plants or indirectly from industrial, commercial, domestic or agricultural products. It is carbon neutral as the CO2 released when energy is generated from biomass is balanced by that absorbed during the fuel’s production.
CFL
Compact fluorescent light bulbs, are more energy efficient than standard incandescent light bulbs and last longer.
Carbon capture
New technology can now capture large amounts of carbon emissions and store them in isolated areas. This means they don’t float into our atmosphere and speed up climate change.
Cap and Trade
Cap and Trade is a market-based policy tool for protecting human health and the environment. A cap and trade program first sets an aggressive cap, or maximum limit, on emissions. Sources covered by the program then receive authorizations to emit in the form of emissions allowances, with the total amount of allowances limited by the cap. Each source can design its own compliance strategy to meet the overall reduction requirement, including sale or purchase of allowances, installation of pollution controls, and implementation of efficiency measures.
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a gas that’s made when fossil fuels are burnt to provide power for everything from driving your car to boiling the kettle. It’s also made when organic things like trees are burnt. It’s then released into the earth’s atmosphere and is one of the harmful gases known as Greenhouse Gases.
Carbon footprint
We all have a carbon footprint; it’s the amount of CO2 each of us produces in our daily lives (for example through using electricity in our homes or driving) and the impact that has on the environment. Other gases like methane (produced by cows!) also contribute to a carbon footprint, for example consuming meat and dairy products adds to our footprint.
Carbon negative
Any process or product that removes carbon from the atmosphere. Growing trees are carbon negative.
Carbon neutral
Because so many of the things we do involve burning carbon at some stage (for example though riding a bike does not produce emissions, manufacturing the bike did) it’s so far been difficult to say what being carbon neutral really is. But many people agree that it’s all about cutting down carbon emissions as much as possible by doing things like switching to renewable energy. You can also be more carbon neutral if you offset things like foreign holidays (see below).
Carbon offset
Carbon offsetting is a way of balancing your carbon emissions. There are a number of ways of doing this including funding schemes to plant trees or replace energy production from fossil fuels with renewable energy such as wind or solar power. It can help to reduce your carbon footprint but is best viewed as a last resort once actual energy use has been reduced as much as possible.
Carbon tax
A carbon tax is a tax on energy sources which emit carbon dioxide - including fossil fuels like oil. It is an example of a pollution tax, which some economists favor because they tax a “bad” rather than a “good” (such as income). It’s based on the amount of carbon each fuel gives out when it’s used.
Carbon trading
Carbon trading is a way of reducing carbon emissions. Many companies are now part of a carbon trading scheme where the government gives each company a set amount of carbon credits each year. If a company doesn’t use all of their credits, they can sell them to other companies who have used all of theirs.
Climate change
Over the years our climate has changed. Climate change can be due to natural causes, but most scientists agree that the rises in the Earth’s temperature are linked to the way we live and activities like burning fossil fuels. This means that the temperature of the Earth is getting hotter, causing ice caps to melt and sea levels to rise. According to the World Wildlife Fund, climate change could cause a global, humanitarian and environmental disaster.
Cradle to cradle
This is a construction and production ethos proposed by Walter R. Stahel that aims to make all components of a made object reusable or disposable with no negative ecological effects - virtually waste free.
Deforestation
Deforestation is simply the process of removing trees from land. Trees help absorb CO2, one of the main gases that contribute to climate change, so the more trees get chopped down, the less carbon is absorbed. Deforestation now contributes to nearly 20% of global carbon emissions, according to the Forestry Commission.
Desalination
This is the process of removing salt from the sea and other salt water. It’s a way of increasing the water supply for humans and farm animals.
Dioxins
A group of chemicals, some of which are highly toxic, which can be formed by incomplete combustion (such as you may find in incinerators) and are believed to contribute to pollution and climate change.
Eco friendly
Environmentally friendly, eco-friendly, and nature friendly are synonyms used to refer to goods and services considered to inflict minimal harm on the environment. It refers to an object or action that is believed to be less harmful to the environment than a common alternative. Just remember that walking to work is more eco-friendly than driving.
Ecological footprint
The Ecological Footprint measures how our lifestyles affect other people as well as the planet. It works out how much land and sea is needed to feed everyone and to provide all the energy, water and raw materials like wood we use in our everyday lives.
Ecosystem
A system made up of a community of living organisms. You might talk about the ecosystem of a specific forest or the Antarctic as a whole.
Energy efficient
Energy efficient products use less energy, but work just as well, if not better, than standard products. For instance, energy efficient light bulbs use up to 80% less energy and last much longer than standard light bulbs.
Fairtrade Mark
The Fairtrade Mark is an independent consumer label which appears on UK products as a guarantee that they have given their producers a better deal. Farmers supplying Fairtrade products receive a minimum price that covers the cost of sustainable production and an extra premium that is invested in social or economic development projects. Visit www.fairtrade.org.uk for more information.
Food miles
This is the distance food travels from where it is grown to where it is consumed. This can be used to measure the impact each product has on the environment. However, to get the whole picture it’s also important to look at how the food travelled and how it was initially produced. Fruits, herbs and vegetables from your own garden has no food miles at all.
Formaldehyde
A volatile organic compound, is used in glue in particleboard, medium-density fiberboard and plywood; permanent-press coatings on fabrics and draperies; in some paints; and in foam.
Fossil fuels
Oil, natural gas and coal are all fossil fuels. They are formed in the ground from the remains of dead plants and animals over millions of years.
FSC wood
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) helps to make sure that wood products come from sustainable forests. When you see the FSC label, you can be sure the wood product you are buying has come from a forest that is responsibly managed, with respect for wildlife and the people who live there. Visit www.fsc-uk.org for more information.
Global warming
The temperature of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere is gradually warming. However recently the rate at which this is happening has rapidly increased. Scientists agree that this is caused by greenhouse gasses being released into the atmosphere by the burning of fossil fuels and other industrial processes.
Going Green
Cape Fear’s local guide to eco-friendly resources of course.
It also refers to
the broad philosophy and social movement concerning the conservation and improvement of the natural environment.
Greenhouse effect
The increase in greenhouse gasses means that more of the sun’s heat is trapped in our atmosphere. This is called the greenhouse effect. It alters the delicate balance of our climate and the result is global warming.
Greenhouse gas
There are two main types of greenhouse gases: natural ones like methane and those made by humans burning fossil fuels. They trap and absorb the sun’s heat. The more greenhouse gas we produce, the more we contribute to the Greenhouse Effect.
Greywater (sometimes spelled graywater, grey water or gray water)
Water from showers, baths and washing machines, which can sometimes be used to water the garden and for car washing. Greywater comprises 50-80% of residential wastewater.
Hybrid car
Hybrid Cars are a new generation of cars which use electricity as well as fuel for power. This means they emit less CO2 and are friendlier to our environment.
Hydroelectric
Hydroelectric power is electricity generated by running water. It’s a great way of using a natural force to create electricity.
IPCC Fourth Assessment Report
This is a report on climate change produced by the United Nations. It was put together by over 600 experts and reviewed and agreed by 113 governments. The fourth report concluded that there has been an increase in climate change likely to be caused by human activities.
Kapok
Trees produce a fluffy fiber in their seed pods. The kapok fiber is a substitute for down.
Kyoto Protocol
This is an agreement reached in 1997 by industrial nations around the world to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Landfill
Disposal of trash and garbage by burying it under the ground. Approximately 60 percent of all municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in the United States is currently being disposed of in roughly 1,800 operational MSW landfills. For more information on landfills, visit www.epa.gov.
Local and seasonal food
This is food that’s produced close to you and grown in season rather than imported from abroad out of season. It doesn’t include food produced by artificial means like strawberries grown in winter greenhouses.
Low flow plumbing fixtures
Include faucets, toilets and showerheads. Installing low-flow toilets and showerheads, and aerators for faucets is a simple strategy to cut water use.
Methane
Methane is the second most important gas contributing to the human-made greenhouse effect after carbon dioxide.
Micro-generation
This is when businesses or residetial homes make their own energy using solar panels or domestic wind turbines.
MSC fish
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) rewards environmentally responsible fisheries with its blue product label. This means the fishery is well managed, helping to preserve fish populations for future generations. See www.msc.org for more information.
Non-renewable resource
Any resources that cannot be re-made or re-grown at the rate they are consumed. Examples include coal, oil and natural gas.
Nuclear Power
Nuclear power is energy made by using the heat produced by an atomic reaction.
Organic cotton
Grown without pesticides or fertilizers is showing up in many home textiles like bedding and towels, but does not apply to how the textiles were manufactured. Manufacturing processes are not generally labeled and could include harsh chemicals, so research the manufacturer to find out more.
Organic Food
Organic food is produced using organic farming methods, which restrict the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides and avoids the genetic modification of food. Organic foods and fibers must be certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, whose standards prohibit the use of most conventional pesticides or fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients. (A “pesticide-free” label alone, however, doesn’t qualify something as organic.)
Ozone
This toxic form of oxygen can cause real problems for us at surface level, but protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays in the upper atmosphere – the ozone layer.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride, is found in vinyl and emits the toxin dioxin when produced. It also contains phthalates, a plasticizing and softening chemical. It’s commonly found in toys, shower curtains, window blinds, vinyl furniture covers and artificial leather. It’s also found in plastics with the recycling symbol 3.
Photovoltaic
A device that converts light energy into electricity, eg solar panels that convert the sun’s energy into electricity through a series of grids.
Polar melt
The continuing melting of polar ice at a faster rate than its seasonal growth, causing an ongoing shrinking of the ice caps.
Rapidly renewable materials
Renewable resources can be replenished, so they’re not permanently depleted. These include alternate-energy sources such as solar or wind power instead of nonrenewable oil and fast-growing plants like bamboo or cork trees.
Rain barrel
Rain barrels are rainwater catching devices. Depending on the size of your roof area — rainwater can be an excellent source for irrigation. Rainwater is even better for your plants and soil than regular potable water. For more information on rain barrels, visit www.rainwatersolutions.com/rainbarrels.
Renewable energy
Sources of energy that produce electricity without harming our environment. Wave, wind and solar power are all renewable energies.
Stern Report
This is a detailed report by Sir Nicholas Stern on the global economic effects of climate change and global warming. Though it was commissioned by the UK government, countries across the world have received it with interest.
Sustainable development
Sustainable development is the process in which we use all of our natural resources more responsibly, so we can meet our needs today without affecting the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
Any carbon compound that evaporates easily in normal environmental conditions – petrol for example.
Wind turbines
You’ll see these dotted around the country quite often now. They’re a modern day windmill which uses the power of the wind to produce electricity.
Zero carbon home
A house that produces no net C02 emissions from the energy used by people living in it. This, however, does not include initial construction materials.
If you have heard an eco-friendly or environmental term that is not defined here, and you would like more information, please contact us and we will do our best to respond and add it to this glossary.
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