ECO-FRIENDLY DICTIONARY :
From AERATE: introducing air into soil - to - ZEOLITE: a mineral used in gardening.
A resource for terminology. Increase your vocabulary and test your knowledge with some quizzes.
DICTIONARY QUIZZES
Quiz: Sustainable Living – Vocabulary
Quiz: Sustainable Gardening – Vocabulary
Quiz: Green Technologies – Vocabulary
A
Aerate - To introduce air into the soil, improving oxygen availability for roots and microorganisms.
Aeration: The process of introducing oxygen into the soil or compost to promote the activity of aerobic microorganisms and improve decomposition.
Air Purification: The process of removing pollutants and contaminants from indoor or outdoor air to improve its quality.
Air Purifier: A device that removes contaminants from indoor air, often using filters or other purification technologies.
Air Quality Index (AQI): A numerical scale used to report air quality and potential health impacts of pollution.
Air Quality Monitoring: Continuous surveillance and assessment of air quality to measure the presence of pollutants and protect public health.
Algae: Simple, photosynthetic organisms that can be beneficial in aquaponics systems and can also be problematic in some gardening situations, such as algae blooms in ponds.
Alkaline: Soil or water with a high pH level, often requiring adjustments for plant growth.
Amendments: Materials added to soil or compost to enhance its nutrient content, structure, or microbial activity, such as compost, peat moss, or lime.
Anaerobic: Conditions in which there is little to no oxygen, often leading to the growth of harmful microorganisms in compost or soil.
Aquaponics: A sustainable gardening method that combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing plants in water) in a symbiotic system.
B
Bamboo Products: Items made from bamboo, a fast-growing and sustainable plant.
Beneficial insects: Insects like ladybugs and lacewings that help control garden pests by feeding on them.
Beneficial nematodes: Microscopic, soil-dwelling worms that prey on garden pests.
Bin: A container used for composting or storing organic matter, such as a compost bin or a rain barrel.
Biochar: A type of charcoal used as a soil amendment to enhance nutrient retention and improve soil structure.
Biodegradable Packaging: Packaging materials designed to break down naturally, reducing environmental impact compared to traditional plastics.
Biodegradable Plastics: Plastics that can break down naturally and return to the environment, typically under specific conditions.
Biodegradable: Materials that can be broken down naturally by biological processes, often without causing harm to the environment.
Biodiversity: The variety and variability of life forms in a particular habitat or on Earth as a whole.
Biofiltration: A technology that uses living organisms, such as plants or bacteria, to filter and remove pollutants from air or water.
Biofiltration: A technology that uses living organisms, such as plants or bacteria, to filter and remove pollutants from air or water.
Biophilia: The innate human tendency to connect with and have an affinity for nature and living organisms.
Biophilic Design: Design principles that incorporate natural elements, patterns, and materials into built environments to improve well-being and connection to nature.
Brown material: Dry, carbon-rich organic matter like dried leaves or straw, used in composting.
C
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Technology to capture carbon dioxide emissions and store them underground.
Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, emitted due to human activities.
Carbon Neutral: Achieving a balance between carbon emissions produced and removed from the atmosphere.
Carbon Offset: A compensation measure, such as planting trees or investing in renewable energy projects, to counterbalance carbon emissions.
Carbon Pricing: Implementing a cost on carbon emissions to encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon Sequestration: The capture and long-term storage of carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change, often through reforestation and sustainable land use.
Carbon: A key component of organic matter that provides energy to microorganisms during decomposition; often referred to as "browns" in composting.
Cation exchange capacity: A measure of soil's ability to hold and exchange essential nutrients, like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, with plant roots.
Chlorophyll: The green pigment in plants responsible for photosynthesis, allowing plants to convert sunlight into energy.
Circular Economy: An economic model that focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency by reusing, recycling, and reducing.
Cold composting: Composting at lower temperatures without turning the pile, which takes longer to break down materials.
Compost activator: A substance added to speed up the composting process, often containing beneficial microorganisms.
Compost bin: A container specifically designed for composting and managing organic waste.
Compost heap: A pile of organic materials left to decompose naturally, often less structured than a compost bin.
Compost pile: A heap of organic materials arranged for composting, consisting of layers of green and brown materials.
Compost: A nutrient-rich, humus-like material created by decomposing organic matter, used to enrich soil and improve plant growth.
Composting: The natural process of decomposing organic matter into nutrient-rich compost through the action of microorganisms, heat, and oxygen.
Cover crop seeds: Seeds of plants used to create cover crops, improving soil health and preventing erosion.
Cover crop: A crop planted to protect and enrich soil during the off-season, often used to prevent erosion and improve soil fertility.
Cradle-to-Cradle: A design approach that aims to create products that can be fully recycled or composted at the end of their life cycle.
Crop residues: Leftover parts of harvested plants, which can be used for mulch or returned to the soil.
Crop rotation: A method of planting different crops in a specific sequence to prevent soil depletion and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
D
Decomposer: Organisms responsible for breaking down dead and decaying organic matter.
Decomposition: The breakdown of organic materials into simpler substances, such as carbon dioxide, water, and humus, during composting.
E
Earth-friendly: Practices that are environmentally conscious and minimize harm to ecosystems.
Earthworms: Soil-dwelling organisms that improve soil structure and nutrient availability by digesting organic matter and creating burrows.
Eco-Friendly Agriculture: Agricultural practices that prioritize sustainability, soil health, and biodiversity.
Eco-Friendly Business Practices: Sustainable practices implemented by businesses to reduce their environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Practices: Using environmentally safe cleaning methods and products to reduce indoor pollution.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Cleaning products made from natural, non-toxic ingredients that are safe for the environment.
Eco-Friendly Electronics: Electronics designed to use less energy and minimize environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly Food Scraps: Organic waste suitable for hot composting, promoting nutrient-rich soil.
Eco-Friendly Furniture: Furniture made from sustainable materials using environmentally responsible production methods.
Eco-Friendly Home Appliances: Energy-efficient and environmentally responsible home appliances.
Eco-Friendly Landscaping: Landscaping practices that conserve water, reduce pesticide use, and promote native plants.
Eco-Friendly Lifestyle: Adopting practices that minimize personal impact on the environment and promote sustainability.
Eco-Friendly Office Practices: Sustainable practices adopted in office environments to reduce environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials: Materials that minimize waste and environmental impact in packaging.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Packaging designed to minimize environmental impact, such as using recycled materials or reducing waste.
Eco-Friendly Paint: Paints made from natural ingredients and low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Eco-Friendly Pest Control: Using natural methods to control pests and prevent damage without harmful chemicals.
Eco-Friendly Transportation: Modes of transportation that minimize environmental impact, such as walking, cycling, or using public transit.
Eco-Friendly Waste Management: Waste management practices that prioritize recycling, composting, and minimizing landfill use.
Eco-Friendly: Actions, practices or products that are not harmful to the environment, minimize negative impacts and promote sustainability. Ecosystem Restoration: Efforts to repair and rejuvenate ecosystems that have been damaged or degraded by human activities.
Ecosystem Services: The benefits that natural ecosystems provide to humans, including clean air, clean water, and pollination of crops.
Ecosystem: complex community of organisms and their environment, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Eco-Tourism: Tourism that focuses on nature and environmental conservation, while respecting local cultures and communities.
Emission Reduction: Actions taken to decrease the amount of pollutants released into the environment.
Energy Efficiency: Using less energy to perform the same tasks, reducing energy consumption and associated environmental impact.
Environmental Justice: The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income in environmental decision-making.
F
Fair Trade: A trading partnership that ensures fair wages and better working conditions for producers in developing countries.
Fertilizer: Substances added to soil or plants to provide essential nutrients for growth and development.
Food scraps: Leftover kitchen and food waste suitable for composting, including fruit and vegetable peelings.g, and composting.
G
Garden bed preparation: The process of preparing the soil in a garden bed for planting.
Garden bed: A defined area where plants are cultivated, often with improved soil conditions and planting arrangements.
Garden Biodiversity: The variety and abundance of different species in a garden or ecosystem, which can help improve its overall health and resilience.
Geothermal Energy: Harnessing heat from the Earth's core to generate electricity and heat buildings.
Green Belt: A zone of open land around a city to prevent urban sprawl and promote biodiversity.
Green Building: The design and construction of structures that use environmentally responsible materials and energy-efficient technologies to reduce their environmental impact.
Green Certification Programs: Initiatives that certify products or services as environmentally friendly.
Green Chemicals: Chemical products that are environmentally friendly and safe for human health.
Green Economy: An economy that prioritizes sustainability, resource efficiency, and environmental protection.
Green Energy: Energy derived from renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydropower, with minimal environmental impact.
Green Infrastructure: Natural or engineered systems that mimic natural processes to manage stormwater and provide other ecological benefits. Green Infrastructure: Natural or engineered systems that provide ecological and environmental benefits.
Green manure: A cover crop that is tilled into the soil to enhance fertility and organic matter content.
Green material: Fresh, nitrogen-rich organic matter like kitchen scraps or grass clippings, used in composting.
Green Product Labels: Labels indicating that a product meets specific environmental standards.
Green Roof: A roof covered with vegetation, which provides insulation, reduces stormwater runoff, and improves air quality.
Green Space: Urban areas with vegetation and trees that provide ecological and recreational benefits.
Green Transportation: Modes of transportation that have a lower environmental impact, such as electric vehicles, bicycles, and public transit.
Greenhouse Effect: The natural process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warm enough to support life.
Greenwashing: Misleading or deceptive marketing practices where a product or company falsely claims to be environmentally friendly or makes unsubstantiated claims about the environmental benefits of a product.
H
Hugelkultur: A gardening method that involves creating mounds of decaying wood and organic matter to improve soil fertility and moisture retention.
Humus: The stable, organic matter in soil formed from decomposed plant and animal materials, improving soil structure and nutrient retention.
I
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): The condition of the air inside a building, including its cleanliness, freshness, and freedom from pollutants.
Inoculant: A substance added to promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms, often used in composting or soil amendment.
Invasive species: Non-native plants or animals that can harm native ecosystems and require management.
JKL
Local Food: Food produced and consumed within a short distance of where it's grown, reducing transportation-related emissions.
M
Manure tea: A liquid fertilizer made by steeping manure in water to extract nutrients.
Microbial activity: The metabolic processes of microorganisms, crucial for decomposition in composting and soil health.
Microgrid: A localized energy system that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main power grid.
Microorganisms: Tiny living organisms like bacteria and fungi responsible for breaking down organic matter in composting and soil.
Mulch: Protective material placed on the soil surface to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Mulching film: A plastic film used as a mulch to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
Mycelium: The network of fine threads produced by fungi, aiding in nutrient absorption in plants.
Mycorrhizae: Symbiotic fungi that form beneficial relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake and plant health.
N
Natural Building: Construction methods that use locally sourced, non-toxic, and sustainable materials, often with minimal energy consumption.
Natural Resource Conservation: Efforts to protect and preserve natural resources, including land, water, and biodiversity.
Natural Ventilation: The use of natural airflow and ventilation techniques to provide fresh air and cooling in buildings without relying on mechanical systems.
Nitrogen: An essential nutrient for plant growth, often derived from organic materials like compost or as a component of synthetic fertilizers.
Non-GMO: Products and practices that avoid genetically modified organisms.
Non-Toxic Cleaning: The use of cleaning products that do not contain harmful chemicals or pollutants, promoting safer indoor air quality.
N-P-K: The three essential nutrients for plant growth: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), often found in fertilizers.
O
Ocean Conservation: Efforts to protect and preserve the health and biodiversity of the world's oceans.
Organic Certification: A verification process that ensures products are produced using organic farming and processing methods, meeting specific standards.
Organic farming: A method of agriculture that avoids synthetic chemicals and emphasizes soil health and sustainability.
Organic Farming: A method of agriculture that avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, focusing on sustainable and natural practices.
Organic Materials: Substances derived from living organisms, often used in eco-friendly products and construction.
Organic matter: Decayed plant and animal materials in soil or compost that provide nutrients and improve soil structure.
Organic Waste: Biodegradable waste materials from plants or animals, often used for composting or as a source of renewable energy.
Organic Waste: Biodegradable waste materials from plants or animals, often used for composting or as a source of renewable energy.
Organic: Products produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms.
PQ
Peat moss: A partially decomposed moss used as a soil amendment to improve moisture retention and aeration.
Peat-free: Products and practices that do not use peat moss, often due to concerns about its environmental impact.
Perennial plants: Plants that live for multiple years and produce crops or flowers annually.
Permaculture: A sustainable gardening and farming approach that mimics natural ecosystems to create self-sustaining, regenerative systems.
Permaculture: An ecological design approach that mimics natural ecosystems to create sustainable, self-sufficient environments.
pH level: A measure of soil acidity or alkalinity, which can affect nutrient availability to plants.
Phosphorus: An essential nutrient for plant growth, important for root development and energy transfer.
Photosynthesis: The process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy-rich sugars.
Pollinator: An organism, such as bees or butterflies, that helps plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another.
Pollution Prevention: Practices aimed at reducing or eliminating pollution at its source.
Pollution: The introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment, leading to adverse effects on air, water, or soil quality.
Potassium: An essential nutrient for plant growth, involved in various cellular processes.
Potting soil: A specialized growing medium for container gardening and starting seeds, typically lightweight and well-draining.
R
Rain barrel: A container used to collect and store rainwater for garden irrigation.
Rain garden: A garden designed to capture and manage rainwater runoff, preventing soil erosion.
Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for later use, reducing the demand on local water supplies.
Raised bed: An elevated gardening container filled with soil, often used to improve drainage and ease of cultivation.
Recycling: The process of reusing materials, such as composting organic waste to reduce landfill waste.
Recycling: The process of collecting, processing, and reusing materials to reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
Recycling: The process of converting waste materials into reusable materials to reduce waste and conserve resources.
Regenerative Agriculture: Farming practices that aim to restore and improve soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience.
Renewable Energy Certification: Certification indicating that energy is produced from renewable sources.
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs): Tradable certificates representing the environmental benefits of producing renewable energy.
Renewable Energy Grants: Financial grants provided to support the development of renewable energy projects.
Renewable Energy Incentives: Financial incentives provided to encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies.
Renewable Energy Integration: The process of integrating renewable energy sources into existing energy systems.
Renewable Energy Storage: Storing excess energy from renewable sources for use during times of low generation.
Renewable Energy Tax Credits: Tax incentives provided to encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies.
Renewable Energy Technologies: Technologies that harness energy from renewable sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines.
Renewable Energy: Energy generated from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
Renewable Fuel: Fuel derived from renewable resources, such as biofuels or hydrogen.
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI): A government program that provides financial incentives for using renewable energy for heating purposes.
Renewable Materials: Substances that can be regenerated naturally and sustainably, often used in eco-friendly product design.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG): Biogas that's been upgraded to be suitable for use as a natural gas substitute.
Renewable Natural Resources: Resources that can be replenished naturally, such as forests and water.
Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS): A regulation that requires utilities to obtain a certain percentage of their energy from renewable sources.
Renewable Resources: Resources that can be naturally replenished over time, such as solar energy or sustainably harvested timber.
Renewable Water Heating: Using solar panels to heat water for domestic or industrial use.
Rhizome: An underground stem that produces new shoots and roots, often seen in plants like bamboo and irises.
Root rot: A disease caused by fungi that affects plant roots, often due to overly wet soil conditions.
Root zone: The area surrounding plant roots where water and nutrients are absorbed.
S
Seedlings: Young plants grown from seeds, typically requiring careful care before transplanting.
Smart Grid: An advanced electricity grid that uses digital communication technology to optimize energy distribution.
Smart Water Management: Using technology to monitor, conserve, and manage water resources more efficiently.
Soil amendments - Materials added to soil to improve its structure, fertility, and nutrient content.
Soil conditioner - Materials added to soil to improve its physical properties, such as moisture retention and aeration.
Soil erosion - The removal of the top layer of soil due to wind, water, or human activities, which can be detrimental to gardening.
Soil Health: The condition of soil that supports healthy plant growth, including factors like nutrient content, structure, and microbial activity.
Soil pH meter - A tool used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of soil.
Soil Regeneration: The process of restoring degraded soil to its natural fertility and health through sustainable land management practices.
Soil structure - The arrangement of soil particles that influences aeration, drainage, and root penetration.
Soil test - Analysis of soil properties like pH, nutrient levels, and texture to determine its health and fertility.
Soil test kit - A kit used to analyze soil properties and determine its suitability for gardening.
Solar Water Heating: Using solar panels to heat water for domestic or industrial use.
Sow - To plant seeds by scattering them on the soil surface or burying them to grow into plants.
Straw bale gardening - A method of gardening using straw bales as containers and growing medium.
Sustainability: The practice of gardening in a way that conserves natural resources and minimizes environmental impact.
Sustainable agriculture: Farming practices that prioritize long-term environmental and social well-being.
Sustainable Agriculture: Farming practices that prioritize environmental health, social equity, and economic viability.
Sustainable Agriculture: Farming practices that prioritize long-term environmental and social well-being, including soil health and crop rotation.
Sustainable Design: The integration of eco-friendly principles and practices into the planning and construction of buildings, products, or systems.
Sustainable Design: The integration of eco-friendly principles and practices into the planning and construction of buildings, products, or systems.
Sustainable Development: Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainable Fashion: Clothing made using environmentally friendly materials and ethical labor practices.
Sustainable Forestry: Managing forests in a way that maintains ecological balance and promotes long-term health.
Sustainable Infrastructure: Infrastructure projects that prioritize sustainability and environmental considerations.
Sustainable Land Use: Planning and managing land in a way that balances environmental conservation and human needs.
Sustainable Packaging: Packaging designed to minimize waste and environmental impact.
Sustainable Transportation: Modes of transportation that are energy-efficient and have a low impact on the environment.
Sustainable Urban Planning: Planning and designing cities to promote sustainability, efficiency, and quality of life.
TU
Tilling: The process of turning over and breaking up soil to prepare it for planting.
Transplanting: The process of moving young plants from one location to another for growth and development.
Upcycling: Repurposing discarded items into new products of higher value and quality.
Urban Farming: The cultivation of crops and raising of livestock in urban or peri-urban areas to increase local food production and sustainability.
VW
Vermicast: The nutrient-rich, humus-like material produced by earthworms during the composting process.
Vermicomposting: Composting with the use of earthworms to accelerate decomposition.
Vermiculture: The cultivation of earthworms for various purposes, including composting.
Vermifilter: A system that uses earthworms to break down organic matter and filter wastewater.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemicals that can evaporate into the air and contribute to indoor air pollution, often found in paints, solvents, and cleaning products.
Waste Reduction: Efforts to minimize the amount of waste generated and sent to landfills.
Water Conservation: The practice of using water efficiently to minimize waste and protect water resources.
Water retention: The ability of soil to hold and store water for plants to access.
Weed control: Strategies and methods for managing and reducing weed growth in gardens.
Weeding: The removal of unwanted plants or weeds from garden beds.
Windrow composting: A method of composting where materials are arranged in long, narrow rows to enhance decomposition.
Worm castings: Nutrient-rich waste produced by earthworms during the composting process.
XYZ
Vermicast: The nutrient-rich, humus-like material produced by earthworms during the composting process.
Vermicomposting: Composting with the use of earthworms to accelerate decomposition.
Vermiculture: The cultivation of earthworms for various purposes, including composting.
Vermifilter: A system that uses earthworms to break down organic matter and filter wastewater.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemicals that can evaporate into the air and contribute to indoor air pollution, often found in paints, solvents, and cleaning products.
Waste Reduction: Efforts to minimize the amount of waste generated and sent to landfills.
Water Conservation: The practice of using water efficiently to minimize waste and protect water resources.
Water retention: The ability of soil to hold and store water for plants to access.
Weed control: Strategies and methods for managing and reducing weed growth in gardens.
Weeding: The removal of unwanted plants or weeds from garden beds.
Windrow composting: A method of composting where materials are arranged in long, narrow rows to enhance decomposition.
Worm castings: Nutrient-rich waste produced by earthworms during the composting process.
Xeriscaping: Landscaping designed to conserve water by using drought-resistant plants and efficient irrigation.
Xylem: The plant tissue responsible for transporting water and nutrients from roots to leaves.
Zeolite: A mineral often used in gardening to improve soil aeration and moisture retention.
Zero Emissions: A state where no harmful emissions or pollutants are released into the environment during a particular process or activity.
Zero-Carbon Building: A structure designed to produce zero net carbon emissions over its lifetime, often through energy-efficient design and renewable energy sources.
Zero-Waste Lifestyle: A lifestyle that emphasizes reducing waste generation through conscious consumer choices, recycling, and composting.