Bagasse
Remains from sugar cane after the juice is extracted. Used to make biproducts such as packaging, paper, and absorbent products.
Bio compostable
Plastic and paper products which disintegrate and biodegrade completely and safely when composted in a municipal or commercial facility such as yard trimmings and food scraps. Bio composting is usually complete within 90 days. Bio compostability will be faster if the products are broken down to small pieces or ground up. Certain packages from renewable resources, like those made from PLA or Sugar Cane, can be composed in your own backyard.
Biodegradable
Materials that decompose, usually by bacteria or sunlight, into organic compounds within a reasonably short period of time. Most organic materials (paper, grass clippings, food scraps, under the right conditions are biodegradable.
Bioplastic
Plastics made from corn, potato or other annually renewable sources which are compostable or biodegradable.
Compost
A crumbly, earthy, sweet-smelling mixture of decomposing organic matter such as leaves, food scraps, and grass clippings that is often used to improve the texture, water retaining capacity and aeration of soil.
Life Cycle Analysis
LCA is a technique for assessing the environmental impacts associated with a product covering all stages in a product’s life.
Life Cycle Inventory
A product’s cycle starts when raw materials are extracted from the earth, followed by manufacturing, transport and use, and ends with waste management including recycling and final disposal. At every stage of the life cycle there are emissions and consumption of resources. The environmental impacts from the entire life cycle of products need to be addressed. To do this, life cycle thinking is required.
Mono Pack
This refers to a package that is made from the same materials for easy sorting and recycling. An aluminum can with a paper label is not a mono pack. A plastic milk jug and the plastic cap are usually made from the same plastic (HDPE with number 2 recycling logo) and is a mono pack.
PLA – Poly Lactic Acid
A product made from corn starch with the look and feel of a petroleum-based plastic. PLA is one of the most used bioplastics.
Recyclable
Material that still has useful physical or chemical properties after serving its original purpose can be reused or remanufactured to make new products. Plastic, glass, paper, steel, and aluminum are all examples of recyclable materials.
Source Reduction
Eliminate waste and use less packaging.
Sustainability
Actions we take that support quality of life now and for future generations.
