Defining the ‘Green’ Terms: Eco-friendly, Sustainable, Zero-waste
Green is not just a color anymore.
You’re here because you want to learn what are some of the ‘green’, eco-related terms that we will be encountering a lot as we learn more about the shifts that we can do for the environment. So let’s not beat around the bush and get started!
Eco-friendly/ environmentally-friendly. All the terms that we will mentioning here can all be considered as eco-friendly. Meaning either products, actions, or practices that basically doesn’t harm, or at the very least, aim for the lowest impact, for the environment. Can we say that this term is the mother of all the green terms that we will be defining here now? Oh yes!
Sustainable/ Sustainability. This word can’t be anymore obvious. The word Sustain is defined in the dictionary as something that is continuous or kept at a certain level. (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustainable) But as easy as its root word is defined, many are confused about what sustainability really is and that’s why we’re here to help you. To put it simply, sustainability is more about managing resources wherein we avoid the depletion of the Earth’s resources and strive to keep a balance between our needs as humans and keeping the needs of the Earth to thrive.
Zero-waste. With small incremental efforts, the ultimate goal of a zero-waste lifestyle is to not have any waste go to landfills, incinerators or the ocean. Here are the 5R’s that can help you manage your waste efficiently and move towards the goal to zero: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot.
Ethical. A term that is about the practice behind the production of the items that we love. It taps into the conditions of the people who produce the goods that we buy and ethical product supports the fair and moral treatment of those people.
We have more useful eco-related terms to share with you in the future blog here at Shift Eco. Hope these help you define your own goal and get you ready to make the first step by making a small impactful shift.
