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The following is a glossary of advanced green terms. For basic terms, see our definitions of basic green terms.

CO2e - an acronym for Carbon Dioxide Equivalent.

Afforestation - the planting of trees, typically for carbon offsets.

Biodiesel - diesel fuel that is made from organic material such as waste cooking oils.

Carbon Dioxide Equivalent - a measurement of greenhouse gas emissions. There are a number of greenhouse gasses, such as methane (which is 21 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas), but to measure the impact of each of the gasses, they are converted to an equivalent of carbon dioxide emissions.

Carbon Footprint Calculator - a tool used to add up the carbon dioxide (or CO2e) emissions.

Carbon Offsets - A carbon offset is a product representing a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent.

CO2e - An acronym for Carbon Dioxide Equivalent

Electric Cars - cars that run only using an electric motor. Electric cars are the future of making transportation more sustainable.

Geothermal Heat Pump - the technology used to run geothermal heating and cooling systems, where pipes circulate fluid underground to exchange heat. This is the most energy efficient way to heat or cool a home.

Green Cars - a loose term to describe cars that are better for the environment. The most important thing that differentiates green cars is the fuel efficiency.

Green Chaos - A term coined by Scott Bennett referring to the confusion of going green. Read more about the green chaos.

Green Investing - Investing in companies that run their business in an environmentally sustainable way. Read more about green investing.

Greenmuting - Due to businesses being criticized by non-government organizations after announcing green accomplishments, businesses are much more hesitant in sharing their green success stories, or "muting" their messages. Non-government Organizations have often been critical that businesses are not doing enough, instead of supporting the steps taken and encouraging the growth of green business.

Greenwashing - the act of misleading consumers about the environmental environmental benefits of a product or service.

Mild Hybrid - a car that uses a secondary motor to assist the engine in being more energy efficient. Mild hybrid cars are less fuel efficient than full hybrid cars.

On Demand - an on demand water heater, also known as an "instant" water heater, super heats water only when it is needed. It does not have a hot water tank that keeps a reservoir of hot water ready.

Renewable Resources - these are natural resources that continually regenerate such as wind power, solar power, or hydro. An example of a non-renewable resource is oil. Due to the greenhouse gasses generated from non-renewable resources, renewable energy is in high demand to reduce the impact on climate change.

Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) - Investing in companies that align with social values. Read more about green investing.

Solar Power - power obtained by harnessing the energy of the sun's rays. See more solar power terminology.

Sustainability - the Brundtland Commission defined sustainablility as development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

Upcycle - the act of recycling something into a product that adds more value than the original product. An example is plastic bottles being used to make sweaters and jackets.