Greener homes glossary

Not sure about a green word? Check out our guide to green terms around the home.

Biodegradable

Biodegradable products break down and are absorbed back into the ecosystem. They can be composted and do not end up in landfill sites.

Carbon footprint

Your carbon footprint measures the total amount of carbon dioxide you produce by, say, taking a plane journey or leaving the lights on. Aim to make yours as low as possible – switching to low-energy light bulbs is a simple way to begin.

Carbon neutral

Something is carbon neutral if it doesn’t add to the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. You can offset (see below) your emissions to remain carbon neutral – but the greenest option is not to produce them in the first place.

Carbon offset

Carbon offsetting is a way to counteract the effect of any carbon dioxide you produce – by, for instance, paying into a fund for energy-efficiency schemes or planting a tree.

Climate change

This is what we now call global warming – to reflect the fact that, while the planet may be warming up, local weather conditions become much more variable.

Ecofriendly

An item or action that’s less harmful to the environment than a common alternative. Try our easy green money-saving tips to be ecofriendly AND save money.

Fairtrade

This is a not-for-profit organisation that supports producers and promotes sustainable development. The Fairtrade Mark on products guarantees they come from a sustainable trade chain, such as Tesco’s Fairtrade wines.

Food miles

The distance food travels from source to consumption. Lower food miles generally indicate a more ecofriendly product (although this isn’t always true – produce grown locally in energy-hungry greenhouses may be less environmentally friendly).

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

An independent, not-for-profit organisation that promotes the responsible management of the world’s forests. Certified FSC products come from forests that are responsibly managed with respect for the habitat and the people who live there. Find out more about FSC.

Greenhouse effect 

This is how the earth is heating up. Greenhouse gases trap the heat from the sun within the earth’s atmosphere, causing climate change.

Grey water

Water from showers, baths, washbasins and sometimes washing machines that you can reuse in the garden or to wash the car (see our tips on saving water in the garden).

Hybrid car

A car that uses two or more power sources. Most hybrid cars on the market are hybrid-electric models. Before you splash out on one, start with our greener driving tips.

Landfill

A way to dispose of rubbish by piling it up or burying it. Landfill emits methane, one of the main greenhouse gases, so follow our tips on recycling to avoid contributing to the problem.

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

The blue MSC label certifies that fish products come from a sustainable fishery. See which fish have been MSC certified.

Organic

Organic food is produced without using artificial fertilisers or pesticides and has not been genetically modified. Our Seasonal Food section has delicious recipes to make with organic food.

Photovoltaics or solar electricity

Solar panels that convert light into electricity. See our guide to creating your own energy (but start by using less electricity in the first place). Alternatively, try one of Tesco's solar services.

Recycling

Taking used materials and turning them into new products to reduce waste. Take up our recycling challenge and see if you can double your recycling.

Renewable energy

Energy obtained from sources that will not run out, such as wind, solar and wave power.

Solar thermal

Slightly different to solar electricity, this system uses energy from the sun to heat water, which is then pumped into your boiler. For more information, check out our feature on generating your own energy or see Tesco Home Efficiency for solar services at Tesco.

Wind turbine

A modern day windmill that generates electricity using the energy of the wind. You can fit one to your house – see our tips on creating your own energy and saving electricity.