Terms to Know
I know, I know. That sounds a little textbook-y. Like most things, there’s lots of jargon in the sustainability world and companies LOVE to take advantage of what we don’t know or how unregulated some of these terms are.
This list is meant to compile terms I’ve specifically addressed in my blog posts (with links to those posts) along with a short sweet definition. I’ll continue to add to the list as I create more content.
I want this to be a quick resource if you need it out in the world, or if you just simply need to touch up on what you know. If you want to read more about a term or concept then click the links I’ve provided next to the terms.
Terms
Definitions
B Lab
The nonprofit organization that awards B Certification.
Carbon Credit
A permit to produce a specific amount of greenhouse gases or carbon.
Carbon Neutral
When the amount of carbon dioxide you produce is balanced through reduction, offsetting, or removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Carbon Offset(ting)
When a person, company, or other entity invests in a service or product that reduces greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere.
Carbon Sequestration
The short or long-term storage of carbon through natural processes in an environment.
Certified B Corporation
A corporation/company/brand that went through rigorous assessment by the nonprofit B Lab and met the standards for certification based on their impact in 4 key categories.
Economic Sustainability
To grow the economy without negatively affecting social or environmental sustainability.
Environmental Sustainability
Treating the environment today in a way that does not negatively affect the environment moving forward.
Fast Fashion
A term used to describe a segment of the clothing industry that creates clothes quickly and cheaply in an effort to keep up with short-lived trends.
Mission Statement
A brief statement claiming who a brand is, what they do, and/or why they exist. Some mission statements will include all of these, some may only include one.
Monoculture
When a single crop is grown in a given area.
Social Sustainability
Measuring and ensuring social impacts on people are positive overall.
Sustainability
Acting today in a way that does not negatively affect how we can function in the future. The 3 pillars of true sustainability are economic, environmental, and social sustainability.
Values
A statement or declaration of a company or brand’s abstract beliefs. These are typically presented as one or two words followed by a brief description.
Vision Statement
A brief statement of the direction the company is headed. This is who/what/where (any combination) they want to be at some point in the future.
A brand that connects companies to environmental nonprofits and facilitates donations to those nonprofits.