We are all familiar with terms such as ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘biodegradable,’ but what do they actually mean? Do you know the difference between ‘recycling’ and ‘upcycling’? Our mini green glossary explains.
Biodegradable
This is something that can be broken down by micro-organisms such as bacteria or fungi. Although this sounds like the ideal solution, a lot of items can take years to break down, a takeaway coffee cup for example, is biodegradable, but due to the plastic liner inside the cup, it will take around 30 years for the process to happen.
Biodiversity
The variety of living species within an ecosystem, or on the Earth, including plants, animals, bacteria and fungi. Biodiversity is essential to a healthy environment because each organism plays a role in capturing and storing energy and producing and decomposing organic matter. Since all types of agriculture tend to reduce biodiversity, a primary objective of sustainable flower farming is to support biodiversity.
Biorational
Non-pesticidal products or biopesticides that cause no harm to humans or animals and do little or no damage to the environment.
Carbon Footprint
The estimated amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other carbon compounds that is produced and released into the atmosphere by an individual, group, activity or industry. Carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds are primary contributors to global warming and climate change. the standard unit for measuring carbon footprint is the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
Carbon Neutral
A state of zero net emissions achieved by offsetting emissions or eliminating emissions.
Carbon Sequestration
The process of capturing, securing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Sequestration can happen through biological, geological and technological processes to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Circular Economy
An economic model that minimises resources, waste and emissions during production and consumption. This approach includes reusing, repairing and remanufacturing products.
Compostable
Organic matter e.g., grass cuttings that will break down
into natural elements. To qualify as compostable, matter must achieve 90% disintegration over three months and leave no toxicity in the ground.
Disposable/Single Use
Products that only have one or very limited use such as razors, coffee pods, plastic straws, food wrappers etc.
Eco-friendly
Products which are not harmful to the environment and doesn’t add to water, air or ground pollution.
Greenhouse Gas
A gas that absorbs and emits radiant energy causing a greenhouse effect.
Greenwashing
Marketing message or other communications that falsely convey an image of environmental responsibility for an organisation or product.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
A strategy for controlling (rather than eradicating) pests that relies on mechanical and biological controls as a first resort, with minimal use of synthetic pesticides. This pest control strategy allows for the use of synthetic pesticides if they are used in a way that is compatible with biologic controls. Biological controls include introducing beneficial insects to consume and thus reduce the presence of harmful insects. IPM has become an integral aspect of sustainable practices at many flower farms.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Analysis and evaluation of all the potential environmental impacts of a given product throughout its journey from producer to consumer to disposal.
Non-biodegradable
Something which is not capable of being broken down by natural organisms or bacteria. e.g., glass, batteries, electronic devices etc.
Recycling
Converting waste - paper, plastic etc - into a reusable material that can go back into the marketplace.
Regenerative agriculture
An approach to farming that places preservation and even restoration of the ecosystem above high crop yields. Regenerative agriculture aims to improve soil health, increase biodiversity and aid in carbon sequestration, among other goals.
Rewilding
Re-establishing a natural ecosystem by introducing native flora and fauna.
Social Sustainability
A condition within a workplace or society in which the culture, processes, systems and relationships promote equality and well-being. Social sustainability aims to meet the basic social needs of present and future members.
Sustainability
The condition in which an economic activity satisfies present needs without jeopardising resources for the future. Today the term is also understood as a balancing of interconnected interests that include environmental, social and economic responsibility.
Traceability
The ability of a product to be traced in a verifiable method in its journey along a supply chain.
Transparency
An organisation, business or supply chain's openness and visibilty around conditions and actions that have an impact on quality and sustainability.
Upcycling
Reusing items that are no longer needed to create something new or of better quality, for example turning leaky wellies or walking boots into planters or repainting tired wooden furniture.
Waste Management
The collection, transportation, treatment, disposal and monitoring of biological, household, commercial and industrial waste. With the purpose of reducing the negative effects of waste on the environment and human health. the process includes recycling and reusing.
Water footprint
A calculation of how much water is used, both directly and indirectly in the production, supply and consumption of goods and services.
Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over twenty-five years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.
