Important Terms
When a company pretends to be environmentally friendly to make itself look good, but doesn't actually take meaningful actions to help the planet.
What is Greenwashing?
Term meaning: Loss of resources
What is Extraction?
The practice of purchasing clothing, wearing it once, and returning it is often associated with this quick fashion trend.
What is Fast Fashion?
This term refers to the accumulation of waste and pollutants as a result of overproduction and consumerism.
What is Environmental Degredation?
This shopping approach encourages consumers to buy secondhand items, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
What is Thrift Shopping?
The idea that buying more things makes people happier.
What is Consumerism?
Term meaning: Health Issues and Pollution
What is Production?
This term refers to the marketing tactic where companies mislead consumers into thinking their products are environmentally friendly.
What is Greenwashing?
This phenomenon occurs when a product is purchased, used briefly, and then discarded, contributing to landfill waste.
What is planned obsolescence?
This approach emphasizes a balance between economic growth and environmental health.
What is sustainable consumerism?
Companies may use this color in branding to evoke feelings of nature and sustainability, despite potentially harmful practices.
What is Green?
Term meaning: thrives off others misfortune
What is Distribution?
This economic theory suggests that consumer spending drives economic growth, often at the cost of sustainability.
What is the Keynesian model?
The production and shipping of goods significantly contribute to this type of harmful gas in the atmosphere.
What are carbon emissions?
This growing trend involves creating products from waste materials, aiming to minimize landfill contributions and promote sustainability.
What is Upcycling?
Emphasizing minor environmental initiatives while ignoring larger issues (e.g., plastic waste).
What is Selective Highlighting?
Term meaning declining happiness
What is Consumption
This term describes a social and economic system that encourages the acquisition of goods in ever-increasing amounts.
What is consumer culture?
This psychological tendency encourages consumers to buy more than they need, often driven by advertising and convenience.
What is consumer behavior?
This renewable energy source is often promoted as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
This type of certification aims to help consumers identify truly sustainable products, but can be manipulated by companies engaging in greenwashing.
What is Eco-Labeling?
Term meaning: contributing to Climate Change.
What is Disposal?
This psychological phenomenon drives individuals to purchase items as a way to boost their self-esteem or happiness.
What is Retail Therapy?
This practice refers to the convenience of buying items online and returning them, often resulting in increased waste.
What is "try and return"
This term describes consumers who actively seek out brands with transparent supply chains and ethical labor practices.
What is Ethical Consumerism?