Aerosols are fine particles suspended in air that may contain chemicals that cause health risks.

Aluminum Chloride is an ingredient commonly used in antiperspirants to reduce sweating and has been linked to cancer.

Arsenic is a natural semi-metal that can cause severe short-term and long-term health effects when consumed or inhaled.

Biodegradable items can be broken down into more basic components through natural processes and the actions of living things such as microorganisms.

Biofuels are green energy alternatives produced from living organisms or from biomass.

BPA is a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins and may be linked to health problems.

Carbon Footprint is a measure of the impact each person has on the environment and climate change.

Carbon Offsets represent the carbon emissions one cannot reduce and the effort to reduce carbon emissions elsewhere.

Car Sharing is a green alternative to owning a car and a membership involves access to ‘ready to rent’ vehicles.

CFL bulbs are a green, energy efficient alternative to traditional, incandescent light bulbs.

Chloride is a natural, poisonous element found in small amounts in our bodies but can cause health problems when used as a water treatment.

Chlorofluorocarbons play a major role in the depletion of ozone in the stratosphere.

Clean Diesel (aka ultra-low sulphur diesel) is cleaner than traditional diesel and less dangerous toward human and environmental health.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a way is a way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer.

Compost is a soil-like material that is broken down through decomposition and is a natural fertilizer.

Cradle to Cradle certification evaluates products for health and safety, re-use of materials, efficient use of water, and use of renewable energy.

DEET is the active ingredient in insect repellent products and may be dangerous to brain health.

Dioxin is the most toxic chemical known to science and is an unintentional by-product of many industrial and nonindustrial processes.

Dual-pane windows are energy efficient windows that can help cut energy costs in a home.

Dust mites are tiny insects that can be found in every home and can cause asthma in some people.

EDTA is a food additive and heavy metal poisoning treatment that can be harmful to humans.

Energy audits evaluate the energy efficiency of a home and provide recommendations on how to improve energy efficiency.

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. government that provides energy efficiency guidelines and standards on products and practices.

Flame retardants are chemicals used to reduce the flammability of household items and are known to be harmful to human health.

Fluorocarbons are compounds used in many household products that can cause health problems and affect climate change.

Fragrance is used in many household and personal care products and can negatively affect health.

Freecycle is a network of people who recycle by giving and getting free stuff from others in their own towns.

FSC is an organization that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests.

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source using heat from within the earth’s core.

Greenhouse gases are gases that trap re-radiated heat in the earth’s atmosphere resulting in global warming.

Green power is electricity generated from renewable resources.

Grey water systems filter grey water or wash water to be used for irrigation.

Humidity levels are important to maintain in the home to ensure good health.

Hybrid cars use electricity and gasoline as energy therefore reducing emissions.

Insulation is used to regulate temperatures in buildings and if installed correctly, it can help reduce energy costs.

Insulating drapes are curtains lined with thermal material used to reduce the exchange of heat through windows.

Landfills are built into or on top of the ground where trash can be dumped and may cause problems in the surrounding environment.

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems.

Material Safety Data Sheets provide information on the properties of a chemical and the health hazards associated with human exposure.

Mercury is a metal that can cause serious health problems when exposed in high amounts to humans.

Methane is a greenhouse gas that is a main contributor to global warming and climate change.

Organic is a name for foods grown without the use of synthetic tools or enhancing systems and includes produce and animal by-products.

Pesticides are chemicals used to kill pests and microorganisms.

Petroleum or oil, is a nonrenewable resource used to create many different products and is harmful to the environment.

Phthalates are chemicals used in plastics that may be dangerous to human health.

Recycling is the method of collecting waste materials so that they can be reused for other things.

Reuse is the method of collecting and redistributing materials while keeping them in their original form and condition.

Solar energy is a renewable energy source that involves collecting the sun’s rays and converting them into heat or electricity.

Solvents are used to dissolve other substances and may cause serious health problems when regularly exposed to humans.

Urea Formaldehyde is a chemical used in resins.

Volatile Organic Compounds are natural and synthetic chemicals that can contribute to poor indoor air quality.

WASD is used to measure how far food products travel before being consumed and should be considered when trying to conserve energy.

Wind energy is a renewable energy source that involves using the kinetic energy from the wind to generate power.

Xeriscaping is strategic and quality landscaping that helps conserve water and protect the environment.

Zero energy homes are built to have a net-zero annual energy bill.

Are you finding any of the “green” vocabulary confusing? Let us know, as we’ll add it to the glossary.