Glossary of Environmental Terms
Glossary of Environmental Terms
Biodegradable
Ability to completely break down, safely and relatively quickly, by natural or biological means, such as microorganisms like fungi, algae, bacteria, into raw materials of nature and then disappear into the environment.
Bioplastics
These are categories of compostable, biodegradable and degradable plastics.
Compostable
Materials that undergo degradation by biological process during composting to yield C02, water, inorganic compounds and biomass at a rate consistent with other compostable materials in commercial/industrial composting conditions and leave no visible, distinguishable or toxic residue. Compostable bags are made of PLA, which is Polylactic Acid, and obtained from renewable sources like corn, sugar beets, wheat, and other starch-rich products. In order for a bag to be considered compostable, it must biodegrade at the same rate as grass clippings, must disintegrate so no large particles can be screened out, and must biodegrade safely so that it can support plant growth.
Degradable
Materials that have the capability to break down from a whole into parts or completely break down into natural substances in the normal process of exposure to natural events. Most degradable products are either biodegradable (bacterial action) or photodegradable (ultraviolet action).
Greenhouse Gases
Those gaseous constituents of the atmosphere, both natural and artificial, that absorb and reemit infrared radiation, including Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Fluorinated Gas emitted through human activities.
Oxo-Degradable
Materials that undergo degradation via a multiple stage process using a chemical additive to initiate the degradation, which may be triggered by Ultra-Violet (UV) sunlight, heat and/or mechanical stress with remnants then going through bio-degradation over time.
Post Consumer (PCR)
Recycled after product is used for its original purpose.
Post-Industrial (PIR)
Recycled from internal manufacturing scrap, trim, etc.
Recycle
Returning a product for reprocessing into another type of product which would use the components of the original product in its makeup. This is not remaking the old product into “a like new” product.
Reduce
Use less of, or make smaller
Re-use
Use again, at least once