Green Terminology

OK, ‘fess up. There are times when you’re discussing the green design with your colleagues and although you’d like to keep up with your environmentalist friends, you don’t quite recognize all of the terms being used. You’re not alone; here are some of the popular ones:

Alternative Energy

Energy derived from sources that have little or no impact on the environment and produce no net greenhouse gas emissions in generating electricity. Such sources include wind, solar, low–impact hydro and biomass.

Carbon Footprint

An estimate of an individual or organization’s impact on the environment. Usually measured in terms of greenhouse gases produced or emitted. To calculate the environmental impact of using various papers, see the Environmental Defense paper calculator at papercalculator.org.

Carbon Neutral

Producing zero net greenhouse gas emissions. This is done either by using renewable energy sources, which produce no net greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency or by Carbon Offsetting (see below).

Carbon Offsetting

The practice of engaging in or sponsoring of projects to nullify or “offset” greenhouse gases emitted. This can include such practices as planting trees and is often done via third party through purchase of carbon offsets. Offsetting is sometimes criticized as it does not require companies to actually reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Fossil Fuels

Fuels including methane, petroleum, coal and natural gas, which are derived from fossil matter. Burning fossil fuels creates greenhouse gases, which are a factor in global warming.

FSC Pure (100%)

Guaranteed as made only with virgin fiber that comes from a forest certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The certification process verifies that forests are well managed and ensures the replanting and reforesting of trees that are crucial to preventing climate change, combating air pollution and maintaining forest biodiversity.

FSC Mixed Sources

Papers made with FSC certified mixed sources contain FSC certified virgin fiber along with FSC controlled fiber and/or post consumer content.

FSC Recycled

Papers made with post consumer content that is certified by FSC as being from controlled sources.

Greenhouse Gases

Atmospheric gases that create the “greenhouse effect” that makes the planet inhabitable, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone. Increases in carbon dioxide, ozone and methane caused in part by the burning of fossil fuels, industry and emissions are considered to be factors in global warming.

Green–e Certified (Renewable Energy)

Green–e is the nation’s leading independent consumer protection program for the sale of renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions in the retail market. Green–e offers certification and verification of renewable energy and greenhouse gas mitigation products.

Post Consumer Fiber

Paper that has reached its intended end-user and then discarded.

Sustainable

Indefinitely viable, capable of maintaining productivity or usefulness in the long term. Sustainable design, graphic or otherwise, seeks to reduce impacts on the environment by relying on the use of renewable resources, among other measures.