Glossary

Decode the eco-speak with our friendly glossary list of green buzzwords and certifications.

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Alcohol Ethoxylates

Found in many natural cleaning products, alcohol ethoxylates are created when vegetable oils are combined with the petrochemical ethylene oxide through ethoxylation. It is generally safe, however, substances which are ethoxylated produced an EPA-classified probable carcinogenic called 1,4-dioxane. Despite the health risks, alcohol ehtoxylates are biodegradable, reducing the risks to wildlife, use less petroleum and conserve energy.

Ammonia

An all-purpose cleaner found in bleaches and some hair dyes; it is poisonous, harmful to the respiratory system upon inhalation and can burn the skin upon contact. Mixture with chlorine bleach or lye produces chloramine gas; mixture with acids found in toilet bowl cleaners releases toxic chlorine gas.

Antibacterials

Added to household cleansers to kill bacteria, antibacterial have been shown to be no more effective at killing germs than regular cleansers, according to a Columbia University School of Nursing study. Scientists fear that the indiscriminate use of antibacterial may be contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant germs. See Triclosan

Australian Certified Organic

This certification is applied to products made with 95 percent or more organic ingredients. It prohibits manufacturers from using synthetic dyes and fragrances as well as any petroleum-derived ingredients or additives. The Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) certifies cosmetics as Australian Certified Organic if they contain 95 percent certified organic ingredients (excluding water and salt). The remaining 5 percent may not include any genetically engineered or irradiated ingredients but may contain minerals or naturally occurring, non-agricultural substances. Any products that contain 70 percent organic ingredients, with the remaining 30 percent being free of other ingredients prohibited in certified organic products, bear the BFA-registered label.

Acetaldehyde

An organic chemical compound commonly found in alcoholic beverages, including wine and beer, acetaldehyde is a suspected carcinogen.