Below are some terms that we’ve come across when looking at green information. Some of them are straightforward while others can be used irresponsibly to lead you to believe something is environmentally friendly when it really isn’t – a term referred to as greenwashing. Another reason why it’s so important for each of us to learn as much about this as we can.

Recycle (Recycled, Recyclable): re·cy·cle (rē sī′kəl)¹
transitive verb : recycled -·cled, recycling -·cling

1. to pass through a cycle or part of a cycle again, as for checking, treating, etc.
2. to use again and again, as a single supply of water in cooling, washing, diluting, etc.
3. 1. to treat or process in order to use again recycle aluminum cans
   2. to gather up and turn in (empty bottles and cans, old newspapers, etc.) to be so treated or processed
4. to alter or adapt to a new use or function recycle an old tenement into condominiums
5. to use again; bring back; reuse recycle a speech from a previous campaign

Reuse re·use \(ˌ)rē-ˈyüz\ ²
transitive verb : to use again especially in a different way or after reclaiming or reprocessing

Biodegradable bio·de·grada·ble (-di grā′də bəl)¹
adjective : capable of being readily decomposed by microbial action, as some detergents

Degradable de·grad·able (dē grād′ə bəl, di-)¹
adjective : capable of being degraded or degrading; esp., capable of being readily decomposed by chemical action, as some plastics

Compostable
According to the American Society for Testing & Materials, for plastic to be considered as compostable, it must be able to break down into carbon dioxide, water and biomass at the same rate as paper. It also needs to look like compost, should not produce any toxic material and should be able to support plant life.³

Organic or·ganic (ôr gan′ik)¹
adjective

1. of or having to do with a bodily organ
2. of or involving the basic makeup of a thing; inherent; inborn; constitutional
3. made up of systematically interrelated parts; organized
4. 1. designating or of any chemical compound containing carbon: some of the simple compounds of carbon, as carbon dioxide, are frequently classified as inorganic compounds
   2. designating or of the branch of chemistry dealing with carbon compounds
5. of, having the characteristics of, or derived from living organisms
6. ☆ grown with only animal or vegetable fertilizers, as manure, bone meal, compost, etc.
7. ☆ LAW designating or of the fundamental, or constitutional, law of a state
8. MED. producing or involving alteration in the structure of an organ an organic disorder

REFERENCES:
¹ (various words) Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009
Your Dictionary. 17 April 2009
www.yourdictionary.com/recycle
² "reuse." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009.
Merriam-Webster Online. 17 April 2009
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reuse
³ By Green Living Tips | Published 02/19/2008
http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/197/1/Degradable-Biodegradable-Compostable.html

• Replace the use of up to 500 plastic bags by taking your own organic cotton bag(s) to the store to bag your purchase.
• Tell your grocer or store clerk not to bag your order when it’s only one or two pieces.
• Remove battery-powered, rechargeable devices from outlets.
• Unplug any electrical device you aren’t using.
• Look for the “Energy Star” logo when buying new appliances.
• Switch to fluorescent lighting (a single bulb can save from $25-$45 over its life).
• Use washable, microfiber towels in place of paper towels.
• Buy water in bulk and refill a bottle instead of buying a new bottle each day.
• Reuse baking soda by putting it down your drains to help keep them clear.
• Support companies that use their manufacturing waste to make new products.
• Start a carpool club at work or church.
• Pick one day a week and ride your bike, walk, or carpool to work.
• Recycle everything that your community accepts and get your kids involved so they understand the importance of what it can do.
• Take note of a green product’s packaging and waste factor.

	Bags like this, made of recycled items such as nylon rice bags and juice packaging, have made it into the hands of everyday people and celebrities alike. More and more products – green in one way or another – are showing up all the time! What can you find that will be the next great thing among you and your peers and make those around you green with envy?
	For the golfers:             Dixon brand golf balls now come in an “EARTH” model. (And, yes, they do perform.)
	For the avid shopper:             The reusable grocery bag set. (Don’t just use them at the grocery store!)
	For the trailblazer:             Treeless “paper” bags. Composed of 80% calcium carbonate, the main element of stone.
	For those who want to be pampered:             A bamboo robe. Velvety soft, warm and incredibly absorbent.