Vocabulary

• Carbon Footprint – The total amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere by specific human activities.
• Greenhouse Gases – Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases.
• Emissions – The release of greenhouse gases and/or their precursors into the atmosphere over a specified area and period of time.
• Sustainability – The practice of using natural resources responsibly, so they can maintain their abundance for future generations.
• Renewable Energy – Energy that is collected from resources which are naturally replenished, like sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat.
• Energy Efficiency – Using less energy to provide the same level of energy service.
• Solar Power – Energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy.
• Wind Power – The use of air flow through wind turbines to provide the mechanical power to turn electric generators.
• Hydroelectric Power – Electricity that is produced from hydropower, which is derived from the energy of falling or fast-running water.
• Energy Star – A program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy that promotes energy efficiency.
• LED light bulbs – Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs because they use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.
• Public Transportation – Systems of transport available for use by the public, typically managed on a schedule and operated on established routes.
• Carpooling – An arrangement where several people travel together in one vehicle, especially for commuting to work or school, thus reducing the emissions per person.
• Cycling – The use of bicycles as a means of transportation, which is a zero-emissions mode of transport.
• Recycling – The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects, which reduces the need to extract and process new raw materials.
• Composting – The process of recycling organic waste, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants.
• Reusable Products – Items that can be used multiple times, replacing disposable items, reducing waste and often saving money.
• Single-use Items – Products that are designed to be used once and then thrown away, which are often not environmentally friendly.
• Organic Food – Food grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, or growth hormones.
• Local Food – Food that is grown close to where it is sold and consumed, reducing the emissions associated with transporting the food.
• Plant-based Diet – A diet based on foods derived from plants, including vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and fruits, and with few or no animal products.
• Water Conservation – The careful use and preservation of water resources.
• Rainwater Harvesting – The accumulation and storage of rainwater for reuse, instead of allowing it to run off.
• Drip Irrigation – A type of micro-irrigation system that has the potential to save water and nutrients by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants.
• Insulation – Materials used in buildings to slow down the flow of heat, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat or cool the building.
• Energy Audit – An assessment of the energy needs and efficiency of a building or buildings.
• Smart Thermostat – A device that automatically adjusts heating and cooling temperature settings in your home for optimal performance.
• Energy-efficient Appliances – Appliances that use less energy to perform the same tasks as conventional models.
• Programmable Power Strips – Power strips that can be programmed to turn off at certain times, reducing phantom power usage.
• Phantom Power – The energy used by appliances and electronics when they are turned off but still plugged in.
• Telecommuting – Working from home or another location outside the traditional office, reducing commuting-related emissions.
• Virtual Meetings – Meetings held via videoconferencing or teleconferencing technology, reducing the need for travel.
• Paperless Billing – Receiving bills electronically instead of in paper form, reducing paper waste.
• E-books – Digital versions of books, reducing the need for paper.
• Secondhand Goods – Items that have been used and then donated or resold, reducing the need to manufacture new items.
• Minimalism – A lifestyle that is centered on the idea of living with less, reducing consumption and waste.
• Green Investing – Investing in companies that are environmentally-friendly or socially responsible.
• Carbon Offsetting – A way to compensate for your emissions by funding an equivalent carbon dioxide saving elsewhere.
• Tree Planting – Planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.
• Low-flow Fixtures – Plumbing fixtures that use significantly less water than standard models.
• Sustainable Agriculture – Farming practices that protect the environment, public health, human communities, and animal welfare.
• Fair Trade – A certification that ensures that producers in developing countries get a fair price for their products.
• Green Cleaning Products – Cleaning products that are made without the toxic chemicals found in many traditional cleaning products.
• Cloth Bags – Reusable bags made of cloth, reducing the need for single-use plastic bags.
• Water-saving Appliances – Appliances that use less water than standard models.
• Electric Vehicle – A vehicle that is powered by electricity, typically stored in a rechargeable battery pack, instead of gasoline or diesel.
• Hybrid Vehicle – A vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources, such as an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.
• Public Charging Stations – Places where electric vehicle owners can charge their cars, typically in public parking areas.
• Solar Charger – A device that uses the sun's energy to charge batteries or power devices.
• Green Roof – A roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, which provides insulation and helps to lower air temperatures.