Photo by Shahzaib Nazir
Upcycling
The process of converting waste materials or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value.Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
A method for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.Carbon Footprint
The total amount of greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide, that are emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.Carbon Offset
A reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases made in order to compensate for emissions produced elsewhere.Carbon Neutrality
The state of balancing the amount of emitted carbon dioxide with an equivalent amount sequestered or offset, resulting in a net-zero carbon footprint.Cradle to Cradle
A design approach that focuses on creating products that can be fully recycled or biodegraded, aiming to eliminate waste and pollution.Closed-Loop System
A sustainable manufacturing or production system in which materials are recycled or reused in a continuous cycle. This system in which materials are recycled or reused creates new products, minimizing waste and reducing the need for virgin resources.Biodegradable
Materials that can be broken down into natural substances or decomposed by bacteria and microorganisms, reducing impact (typically without causing harm to the environment.).Eco-labeling
The practice of labeling products with information about their environmental attributes, helping consumers make environmentally friendly choices.Renewable Energy
Energy derived from resources that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat.Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)
Certificates representing the environmental benefits of generating electricity from renewable sources. They can be bought and sold to support renewable energy projects.Zero Waste
A philosophy that promotes the redesign of resource life cycles so that all products are reused, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.Fair Trade
A social movement and market-based approach advocating for fair wages and ethical treatment of producers in developing countries while promoting sustainable practices.Circular Economy
An economic model that emphasizes the continual use of resources through recycling, reuse, and sustainable practices, minimizing waste.Sustainable Sourcing
The practice of procuring materials and products from suppliers who adhere to environmentally and socially responsible practices to minimize negative impacts on people and the planet.Circular Economy
An economic system that prioritizes minimizing waste and making the most of resources by emphasizing recycling, reusing, and remanufacturing.Greenwashing
A deceptive marketing practice where a company exaggerates or falsely claims to be environmentally friendly to attract environmentally conscious consumers.Water Footprint
The total volume of freshwater used directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product throughout its life cycle.Triple Bottom Line (TBL)
An accounting framework that considers three dimensions of performance: social, environmental, and financial, emphasizing the importance of sustainability.Regenerative Agriculture
Farming practices that aim to restore, improve, and enhance ecosystems, soil health, and biodiversity while producing food and other agricultural products.Biomimicry
Designing solutions inspired by nature, imitating natural processes and systems to create sustainable and efficient products.Environmental Justice
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.Green Energy
Energy derived from renewable and sustainable sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal, to minimize environmental impact.Eco-Efficiency
The concept of producing goods and services with less impact on the environment, focusing on resource conservation and waste reduction.Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
A set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations to address various environmental, social, and economic challenges and promote sustainability.Carbon Sequestration
The capture and long-term storage of carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change, often through planting trees or using technological methods.Permaculture
An approach to agriculture and design that mimics natural ecosystems, aiming to create self-sustaining and regenerative systems.Ocean Farming
Sustainable aquaculture practices that involve cultivating seaweed and shellfish to restore marine ecosystems and provide food.Dark Green Environmentalism
A perspective within the environmental movement that emphasizes deep ecological values, advocating for significant societal changes to address environmental issues.Doughnut Economics
An economic model that envisions a "sweet spot" between the social foundation (ensuring everyone's basic needs are met) and the ecological ceiling (maintaining the planet's health), avoiding both poverty and overconsumption.
Photo by Nora Topicals