BIODEGRADABLE: Materials that decompose when naturally occurring organisms, like bacteria and earthworms, feed on them.
BIODIESEL FUEL A clean-burning, nontoxic alternative fuel made from animal fats and plant oils. It goes through a refinery process called transesterification, which makes the oil suitable for car engines.
CARBON FOOTPRINT: Total amount of CO2 emitted through the use of fossil fuels, like coal and oil, and manufactured products.
CARBON NUETRAL: A way to counteract the amount of emissions (like CO2) you contribute to the atmosphere by eliminating them elsewhere in equal measure.
GLOBAL WARMING: An increase in the earth’s average temperature that causes changes in climate patterns worldwide.
GREENHOUSE GASES: Gases (like CO2) that trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere (just like what happens in a greenhouse).
RENEWABLE RESOURCES: Resources that are always being replenished through natural processes, even as they are being consumed — like trees, water, and sunlight.
POSTCONSUMER MATERIAL: Products that have been thrown away (garbage) and that some people are turning into new products.