The international passion to protect our planet from theravages of pollution and to preserve our natural resources for futuregenerations has become an everyday fact of life. With international support by "green"political parties, consumer organizations, celebrities and politicians, theorganic or "green" movement has become a powerful force with anagenda that needs to be addressed by industry, politicians and consumers. Discussionsabout the environment are taking place by executives in corporate board rooms,between politicians in legislative hearings, and by eco-oriented consumers insupermarkets and department stores.


Can we fully understand the environmental implicationsrelated to pollution, climate change, and energy independence without a workingknowledge of basic green vocabulary? Can we comprehend the fundamental greenand political issues connected to lowering chemical standards on organicagriculture? Can we compare organic to non-organic products we decide to eat orwear every day? To live organic or green we need to speak and understand thejargon.


Understanding some key green vocabulary and relatedcommentary can help us evaluate alternatives between our planet and personallifestyles. It enables us to decide how we cast our vote, spend our money orsimply how we live. A green vocabulary will clarify the concept of our "carbonfootprint" and help us reduce it. The following represents what is bestdescribed as a green vocabulary to help eco-oriented consumers make informeddecisions.


A Green Vocabulary for Green People


Organic: identifies products made under the authority of the Organic FoodsProduction Act. Organic production guidelines are established to use organicmaterials and practices that improve ecological balance. Organic productionincorporates agricultural system components to enhance natural biologicalsystems.


Organic Agriculture: is an ecological farming systemthat promotes natural chemical and biological cycles that improve soilfertility and maintains a balanced and productive farming system. Any productsintroduced to this system for fertility or pest protection are of naturalcomposition. It eliminates the use of harmful synthetic pesticides, herbicides,fertilizers, growth stimulants or antibiotics. These essential restrictions canreduce contamination or pollution to our air, water or food supply.


Natural Fibers: are "certified" organicfibers derived from organic agriculture such as cotton, bamboo and hemp.


Certified Organic Cotton: is derived from organic agriculture.The cotton is grown without artificial pesticides or fertilizers. Conventionalcotton farming ranks about fourth in the use of pesticides in the US. Several of the top pesticides used in non-organic cotton farming are EPA recognizedcarcinogens. It takes 1/3 of a pound of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers tomake one organic T-shirt disregarding the use of any toxic dyes (Organic TradeAssociation). A typical organic tee shirt is also about the same weight butwithout these harmful chemicals. Organic cotton is produced using conservationminded or "sustainable" approaches to crop production. Such practiceshelp to retain and promote soil fertility and the natural recycling of soilresources.


Organic Certification is provided by various organizations.The most widely recognized standards are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)which is the basis for the statement "100% certified organic cotton"used by many green companies.


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


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


 

Sweatshop-free: describes the absence of manufacturing conditions currently existing in many countries, referred to as "sweatshops". They are production facilities or factories where goods are produced cheaply by minimizing workers' salaries, and increasing working hours. Proper environmental health standards are diminished, yet demands for high levels of productivity still remain. These sweatshops may thrive from corporations seeking to increase profits by subcontracting inexpensive labor.


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. A good example of preserving our resources is Trees for the Future (www.treesftf.org), a charitable organization dedicated to replacing and planting trees. Unfortunately, most of our energy production is derived from organic (carbon based) fossil fuels that cannot be recycled (non-renewable) as compared to wind or solar energy. All of this is connected to our lifestyle and our "carbon footprint" discussed next.


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.


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


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


Low Impact Dyes: refers to dyes used the manufacture of goods that should have minimal impact on the environment. Sometimes the term non-toxic is used here as well.


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.


The Organic or Green Lifestyle


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.


Social Responsibility: can be defined as accepting responsibility for others and taking action against social injustice. It includes meeting the needs our fellow man through charitable giving. Charitable Giving is compassionate thinking in action. It is defined by charitable deeds including volunteerism and financial support to worthy causes.


In summary, an organic or green lifestyle defines our behavior in support of the environment and our fellow man. It results from accepting social responsibility and demonstrating ethical behavior and a genuine sense of compassion. It requires "spiritual maturity" and positive thinking about yourself, others and the world around you. The result can be a clean, safe environment and a better quality of life for yourself and others.


About the Author


Bob Folkart is a retired college dean, biology professor and spokesperson to a community in Southeastern Baltimore County. Bob is currently serving as 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.