Green Terminology

Are you as confused as I am about some of the terminology you hear when talking Green? Here are some definitions I found to be very helpful.

Green - anything environmentally friendly - with an emphasis on conservation of resources, energy efficiency, and healthful interior spaces
a. environmental impact of harvesting materials
b. manufacturing process
c. how easily a product is replenished once harvested for use

Sustainable - how well products can be replenished for future use
a. once you use it, how quickly it grows again - trees vs. bamboo
b. natural fibers and products that do not require chemical processing

Organic - food and products that have been produced and manufactured without the
use of chemicals
a. foods without pesticides, antibiotics or steroids
b. personal care products without synthetic or chemical ingredients

Recycle/Repurpose - using items in their original form to either make something new or use it in a different way
a. selecting carpet and glass products that can be used to make a new set of the identical product b. finding new ways to use items that you would normally throw away, ie - plastics, empty buildings

Renewable - how quickly a material replenishes itself through a natural process i.e
Trees, bamboo, cotton

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC): Highly evaporative, carbon-based chemical substance, that produces noxious fumes; found in many paints, caulks, stains, and adhesives.

LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. A leading certification process by the U.S. Green Building Council that evaluates new buildings constructed to common green standards. Architects and designers are able to become LEED certified and considered experts on green design and building.