acid rain

Nitric and sulfuric acid in precipitation; combustion of fossil fuels contributes to the problem

alternative fuels

Power for vehicles that does not rely on fossil fuels (e.g., ethanol and biodiesel)

biodegradable

Organic material that is able to be broken down by living things

biodiversity

The variety of living organisms found in a particular area or ecosystem

biomass

The production of energy from plant or animal materials; an alternative fuel source

borax

An alkali that can be used as a cleaning agent

carbon monoxide

Deadly, odorless gas produced during the incomplete combustion of carbon

carbon trading

Related to offsetting carbon emissions; companies that emit more greenhouse gases than they are allowed can buy credits from companies that produce less

carcinogen

Cancer-causing agent

chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Ozone-depleting, heat-trapping chemicals once prevalent in aerosols and cleaning solvents

coal gasification

A method of using coal for energy that produces fewer emissions than traditional burning, in which coal is subjected to high temperatures, intense pressure, and a controlled flow of oxygen to break down the carbon and produce energy

combustion

The process of burning fuels to produce energy

cooperative

Also called a co-op; a group that works together for the members' economic, social, and cultural benefit

dioxin

A toxic chemical by-product of some industrial operations

ecosystem

A chain of life in a given area; a balance between living organisms

ecotourism

Travel that includes environmental considerations, respecting the environment and local cultures

effluent

Wastewater from human lives; usually refers to treated sewage

emission

Release of gases into the atmosphere

endocrine disruptor

Chemicals that block or mimic hormones when absorbed by the body

erosion

Wearing away of Earth's surface

exotics

Non-native species

fair trade

A partnership that supports better trading conditions particularly for under-represented workers

fescue grass

Transitional grass that can survive in both warm and cool climates

fluorinated gases

Global-warming gases produced from various industrial processes

fossil fuels

Non-renewable energy sources such as coal and petroleum that are derived from fossilized plants and animals and that emit greenhouse gases when burned

geothermal

Natural source of power obtained from Earth's heat, which is derived from rock and liquid in Earth's crust

geotourism

A form of travel that encourages visitors to appreciate the natural features and cultures of destinations

global warming

Gradual increases in the planet's air and water temperatures resulting in changes to the climate

green living

The act of being environmentally responsible; making decisions to benefit the environment or curtailing harmful practices

greenhouse gases

Agents of global warming that trap heat within the atmosphere instead of allowing it to escape into outer space; include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases

growth hormone

Supplements fed to livestock to help them grow larger and more quickly

humus

Composted waste

kinetic energy

Power derived from movement; windmills use this type of energy

Kyoto Protocol

An international pact that aims to reduce green-house gas emissions by capping emissions rates

low-emissivity

A type of coating applied to windows to regulate the amount of heat the windows allow into rooms

methane

The simplest form of hydrocarbon; a greenhouse gas formed by both natural and human activities; highly combustible; can be used to generate electricity

natural food

Edible products grown without help from synthetic hormones or additives

natural resources

Land, forests, mineral deposits, and other raw materials supplied by nature

nitrous oxides

Reactive gases formed during the combustion of fuel; can form ground-level ozone and acid rain

offgas

The vaporizing or evaporating chemicals from treated surfaces

offset

The process of negating harmful environmental practices by engaging in beneficial practices, such as offsetting greenhouse gas emissions by planting trees

organic

Growing, raising, or processing of food without drugs, synthetic chemicals, or hormones by using methods that conserve natural resources and limit effects on the environment

ozone

A gas made up of three atoms of oxygen found in the atmosphere; in its naturally occurring state, it protects Earth from the sun's harmful UV rays. Ground-level ozone is a pollutant that contributes to urban smog and causes respiratory problems.

parabens

Chemicals used as preservatives in cosmetic products; linked to rare allergies; hotly debated studies reported traces of parabens in breast cancer tumors

particulate matter

Pollutants present in the air in the form of small particles and liquid droplets

pesticide

Chemicals used to control pests (e.g., spraying DDT to kill insect populations)

phthalate

Chemicals added to plastics to increase flexibility; controversial studies linked them to decreased sperm counts in men and other reproductive problems

pollution

Contamination of air, water, or soil by harmful agents

radon

A naturally occurring cancer-causing gas that's emitted from the soil and can collect in structures

renewable energy

Power derived from sources whose supplies are not limited (e.g., wind or solar energy)

smog

Ground-level air pollution associated with respiratory problems and hazy skies

sulfites

Preservatives in wine and some food products; linked to relatively rare allergies

sulfur dioxide

A pollutant produced during combustion of fossil fuels like coal and oil; prevalent in acid rain

surfactant

Organic molecules that get in between grime and fabric, separating the two; a major component of detergents and soaps

sustainability

The balance between continuing a way of life or standard of living while protecting the environment and its resources

sustainable energy

Power sources that cannot be easily depleted (e.g., wind or solar energy)

synthetic

Any artificially made material

transpiration

The process of plants releasing water into the atmosphere

vegan

A lifestyle that rejects the use of any products or foods made from animals

vegetarian

A lifestyle that relies on nonanimal products for food

volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Chemical compounds that easily vaporize into the atmosphere or are absorbed into the soil or water; include harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases like methane

whole foods

Foods that undergo as little processing as possible