Welcome to Green Lingo 101:

Today’s lesson is to help build your knowledge and understanding of the “green” terminology. What are the words we associate with the “green movement” and what do they really mean. I’m sure you’ve all heard at least one of these words or terms being tossed around, but maybe you’re not quite familiar with what they mean… I’m here to break it down for you.

Let’s start with some of the basics (I learned these from Bob Folkart, the Vice President of Live Life Organics. This green apparel company focuses on creating more positive energy in the world and channeling it to sustain ourselves, the earth and our fellow man).

Eco-friendly: suggests a product or process than has a reduced impact on the environment.

Eco-fashion: is a general term describing organic clothing that has addressed the needs of the environment as well as socially responsible working conditions.

Sustainable: refers to natural products that can be preserved and renewed. It is connected with the term "recycling" - when natural products are re-used like rubber (for tires, shoes) or wood (for recycled furniture). They are made from or made into recycled, carbon based products.

Carbon Footprint: is a descriptor of environmental impact. It describes the consumption of carbon based natural resources or the production of carbon by-products like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or "greenhouse emissions". It's about lifestyle and the amount of carbon based resources we consume through transportation, climate control, manufacturing etc. Basically it relates to how much each of us consume in terms of natural resources to meet our needs. In general each of us should be committed to reducing the size of our "footprint" to sustain resources for present and future generations.

Green: is a generally positive term referring to the environment, organics or even a green lifestyle to be discussed shortly. Conscientious Clothing describes organic clothing has addressed environmental, ethical and socially responsible standards. It is essentially the same as organic in a general context. Organic may also refer carbon based products, issues or concepts such as carbon footprint, sustainable, fossil fuels, organic agriculture, organic food, organic apparel etc.

Organic or Green Lifestyle: refers to living with a strong commitment to the environment. In addition, it addresses compassionate and positive thinking. It means choosing a lifestyle with charitable deeds and social responsibility. Organic living includes compassion for the environment and others. A green lifestyle means being proactive and incorporates spiritual growth leading to ethical thinking.

Fair Labor Practices: are not necessarily restricted to agriculture but generally support fair wages and healthy working conditions.

Fair Trade Certification: "...guarantees consumers that strict economic, social and environmental criteria were met in the production and trade of an agricultural product."(www.transfairusa.org)

Stay tuned for my next lesson…The discovery of eco-friendly fabrics. What are they really?

xoxo,
Mia

P.S. - Please feel free to hit me with any questions. I hope this lesson was helpful!