Energy & Technology
Switching from old incandescent bulbs to this type can use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.
What are LEDs?
This term describes the inexpensive, trendy clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers that often ends up in landfills within a year.
What is Fast Fashion?
Swapping a plastic-bottled body wash for this classic, "naked" alternative eliminates plastic packaging entirely.
What is a Bar of soap?
In composting, dry materials like cardboard and dried leaves are referred to by this color.
What are Browns? (Carbon-rich)
Instead of using plastic wrap to cover leftovers, you can use this reusable, malleable wrap made from cotton and a sticky substance produced by insects.
What is Beeswax wrap?
Instead of a standard thermostat, swapping to this "intelligent" version can learn your schedule and automatically lower energy use when you're away.
What is a Smart Thermostat (e.g., Nest/Ecobee)?
Swapping new clothes for items from these stores (like Goodwill or Depop) is considered one of the most sustainable ways to shop.
What are Thrift Stores (or Second-hand)?
This metal bathroom tool is a sustainable alternative to disposable plastic razors and can last a lifetime with only the blades being replaced.
What is a Safety razor?
Nitrogen-rich materials like fruit peels and vegetable scraps are referred to by this color.
What are Greens?
This "milky" alternative to cow's milk typically has the lowest environmental footprint in terms of water usage compared to almond or dairy.
What is Oat milk?
This blue-and-white label is found on energy-efficient appliances; swapping to a dishwasher or fridge with this logo ensures it meets strict EPA efficiency standards.
What is Energy Star?
When washing synthetic clothes like polyester or nylon, thousands of these tiny plastic particles are released into the water system.
What are Microfibers?
Most standard tea bags actually contain a small amount of this material to keep their shape, making them non-compostable.
What is Plastic (polypropylene)?
True or False: You can compost "bioplastics" (like PLA corn-starch forks) in a standard backyard compost pile.
False (They usually require industrial high-heat facilities).
When shopping in the bulk aisle, bringing your own jars helps avoid these thin, petroleum-based items that take up to 1,000 years to decompose.
What are Single-use plastic bags?
This "ghostly" term describes the energy consumed by electronic devices while they are switched off or in standby mode but still plugged in.
What is Vampire Power (or Phantom Load)?
This natural fiber is often praised for sustainability because it grows quickly, requires no pesticides, and uses significantly less water than cotton.
What is Hemp?
This bamboo-based swap for a common dental tool is biodegradable, unlike its nylon-and-plastic counterpart.
What is a Bamboo Toothbrush?
This specific type of composting uses red wiggler worms to break down food scraps into nutrient-rich "castings."
What is Vermicomposting?
Swapping "Extra Virgin Olive Oil" in plastic bottles for oil in this type of container is better because it's infinitely recyclable and protects the oil from light.
What is Glass (or Tin/Metal)?
In many homes, the "Simple Swap" for a gas-powered water heater is a "Hybrid" model that uses this technology to pull heat from the surrounding air.
What is a Heat Pump (Water Heater)?
In the textile industry, this "cycle" refers to a production model where a garment is designed to be disassembled and integrated back into the soil or a new product at the end of its life.
What is Cradle-to-Cradle (or Circular Economy)?
These small "tabs" or "pills" are a waterless, plastic-free alternative to traditional toothpaste in a tube.
What are Toothpaste Tablets?
This Japanese composting method, which starts with the letter "B," uses a fermented starter (bran) to "pickle" food scraps, including meat and dairy, in an airtight bucket.
What is Bokashi?
Instead of buying pre-packaged sparkling water, many use this countertop device to carbonate tap water.
What is a SodaStream (or Carbonator)?