38 sustainability terms that are frequently used – but not always understood
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Sustainability buzz words such as biomass, carbon neutral and greenhouse effect are regularly used by Brits – despite millions having no idea they mean.
A study of 2,000 adults found they use terms such as 'green', 'eco friendly' and 'sustainability' as often as once a day - but almost two thirds don’t completely understand them.
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Hide AdOther confusing words included ‘carbon footprint’, ‘regenerative’ and ‘ecological’.
The research also found 81 per cent of adults think there is lots of jargon when it comes to sustainability and being environmentally friendly.
And 73 per cent think there are too many eco-related words which makes it difficult to differentiate the meanings.
However, 58 per cent would like to be more educated on words and phrases associated with sustainability.
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Hide AdIt also emerged 74 per cent think there should be more education about saving and caring for the planet in schools.
While 61 per cent believe that if we had more education around the jargon, it would lead to more people doing their bit for the planet.
Adrian Carne, managing director at Yeo Valley Organic, which commissioned the study, said: “There is so much jargon around saving the planet and each word has a different meaning, so it can get very confusing.
"As the world acts against climate change, we must understand these terms.
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Hide Ad“We want everyone to feel included and join the conversation, and really understand how you can do your part to help slow down climate change.
“Whether its buying organic products to cut down on your carbon footprint, turning lights off to save energy, or simply educating yourself on the topic, small steps can make a big difference.”
Confusion around the topic has led to 36 per cent using a word or phrase related to sustainability in conversation, without being fully confident they were using it correctly.
The survey, by OnePoll, even revealed a quarter have corrected someone else on the meaning or use of a word or phrase related to sustainability.
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Hide AdAs a result, 79 per cent think these buzzwords should be shared in layman’s terms for everyday people to understand.
Lexicographer Susie Dent said: “Language shapes our environment, but our environment also shapes our language, in quite fundamental ways.
"What has become known as ‘ecolinguistics’ is a powerful tool in fighting climate change - our understanding of its vocabulary and the stories it tells determine how we feel about our planet and its future.
"Our children are immersed in the language of sustainability: to them, words like ‘regenerative’ will be as normal as ‘recycling’ has become to us.
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Hide Ad"But as adults we too can increase our understanding and involvement, by exploring and decoding the language of the environment and, crucially, its application to our daily lives."
Test your own ecolingustics knowledge with this quiz: www.yeovalley.co.uk/sustainability-quiz
SUSTAINABILITY BUZZ WORDS - IN ORDER OF MOST TO LEAST UNDERSTOOD
Recycle
Climate change
Global warming
Energy efficient
Organic
Sustainable
Eco-friendly
Sustainability
Renewable energy
Composting
Green (in an environmental context, not the colour)
Fairtrade
Ethical
Conservation
Climate crisis
Biodegradable
Carbon footprint
Emissions
Deforestation
Greenhouse effect
Greenhouse gas
Zero waste
Ecological
Carbon
Carbon neutral
Rewilding
Carbon offsetting
Net zero
Biofuel
Carbon credits
Zero carbon
Carbon sequestration
Regenerative
Carbon locking
Natural capital
Agroforestry
Biomass
Regenerative farming