Environmental awareness is growing rapidly. As new products are introduced so is the terminology used to describe their environmental benefits. The almost daily evolution of new words and phrases can be, well, overwhelming. That's why we created Greenology.  This is the place to check out the changing landscape of eco-friendly terms.

We'll be updating this area regularly, be sure to check back often. If we don't have a term or phrase here that you need to know, please email us at greeninfo@guardiancertified.com and we'll find out and of course, add it here.

Bio-degradable: materials capable of undergoing biological decomposition by the action of micro-organisms such as bacterial, fungi and algae, under naturally occuring conditions.
Compostable: materials that undergo degradation by biological processes during composting to yield C02, water, inorganic compounds and biomass at a rate consistent with other compostable materials and which leave no toxic residue.
Oxo-degradable: materials that undergo degradation via multiple stage process using a chemical additive to initiate the degradation, which may be triggered by ultra-violet (UV) sunlight, heat and/or mechanical stress with remnants then going through bio-degradation over time.
Photo-degradable: materials that degrade under the action of ultra-violet light such that the material loses strength and fragments into minute particles.
Water-soluble: materials that are soluble in water, usually within a specific temperature range, and then bio-degrade through the action of micro-organisms.
Founded in 1988, EcoLogo is North America’s most respected and established multi-attribute environmental standard and certification mark. In a skeptical marketplace, EcoLogo builds the trust needed by providing scientific credibility and proof of environmental leadership. EcoLogo provides customers -– public, corporate and consumer – with assurance that the products and services bearing the logo meet stringent environmental standards that have been verified by a third party auditor.