Sustainability Glossary

Key environmental terms explained simply.

C

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases (primarily CO2) generated by human actions, measured in tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year. It includes direct emissions from driving and heating, and indirect emissions from the production of goods and services you consume.

Carbon Neutral

Achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere with an equivalent amount removed or offset. This can be achieved through a combination of emission reduction and carbon offsetting.

Circular Economy

An economic system designed to eliminate waste and keep resources in use for as long as possible. Products are designed for durability, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling, replacing the traditional linear 'take-make-dispose' model.

Composting

The natural process of decomposing organic matter (food scraps, yard waste, paper) into nutrient-rich soil amendment. Composting diverts waste from landfills and reduces methane emissions while creating valuable fertilizer.

E

Ecological Footprint

A measure of human demand on nature, expressed as the amount of biologically productive land and water area needed to produce the resources consumed and absorb the waste generated. Measured in global hectares (gha).

G

Greenwashing

The practice of making misleading or unsubstantiated claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or company. It makes something appear more eco-friendly than it actually is to capitalize on growing consumer demand for sustainability.

M

Microplastics

Tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter that result from the breakdown of larger plastics or are manufactured at microscopic size. They are found in oceans, soil, air, food, drinking water, and human blood and organs.

N

Net Zero

The state where the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted is balanced by the total amount removed from the atmosphere. Unlike carbon neutral, net zero typically requires deep emission reductions (90%+) before offsets are used for remaining emissions.

R

Renewable Energy

Energy generated from natural sources that replenish faster than they are consumed, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass. Renewables produced 30% of global electricity in 2024 and are the fastest-growing energy source worldwide.

S

Sustainability

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability, often represented as three interconnected pillars.

U

Upcycling

The process of transforming waste materials or unwanted products into new items of higher quality, value, or environmental purpose. Unlike recycling, which breaks materials down, upcycling creatively repurposes them in their current form.

Z

Zero Waste

A philosophy and design framework aimed at eliminating waste by rethinking how resources flow through society. The goal is to ensure all products are reused, repaired, recycled, or composted, sending nothing to landfills or incinerators.