Environmental Buzz Words G to I

Following on from the previous pages, browse over the descriptions of environmental buzz words below

Environmental Buzz Words G

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) / Genetically Engineered Organisms (GEOs)

• Organisms from bacteria, plants or animals which have been genetically changed in a laboratory through DNA technology.

Geothermal power/energy/heating

• A natural heat source found underground that can be used by technology for heating systems and energy.

Global Warming

• The progressive increase in the earth’s surface and atmospheric temperature over a long period of time. This is linked to climate change, man-made human activities and the ongoing increase of greenhouse gases.

To go Green

• To make both a conscious and active decision to reduce the negative effect on the environment through your own lifestyle choices.

Green Building / Sustainable Building Design

• Building design and construction which uses methods, systems and materials that have a lower negative effect on the environment than conventional building design. Typical features are energy efficiency, daylighting, renewable energy, water conservation, waste management, eco building materials and brown land use.

Greenhouse Effect

• The continual increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere destroys the ozone layer which allows radiation from the sun to reach our atmosphere. The sun’s heat cannot escape and becomes trapped as if within a closed greenhouse. This heats the earth and is linked to climate change and negative changes in eco systems.

Greenhouse Gases

• Gases present in the atmosphere which absorb the sun’s energy and heat; water vapour, carbon dioxide CO2, methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), halogenated fluorocarbons (HCFCs), ozone (O3), perfluorinated carbons (PFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Green Washing

• Manufacturers who make false claims that their products are eco friendly, sustainable or organic etc.

Environmental Buzz Words H

Handmade

• A product crafted by hand rather than by mechanic production. The product is unique and is not for mass production.

Holistic Interior Design / Zen Interior Design

• A complimentary way of designing interiors based on achieving a balance between; design principles, human health and well-being and our natural environment.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

• A product thrown away at home which is harmful to humans, animals and eco-systems; toxic, irritants, reactive, corrosive or ignitable.

Environmental buzzwords I

Incineration

• To burn waste instead of putting it into landfill sites. This creates energy which can be used as power, however it also releases greenhouse gases as a by product.