Glossary
Bagasse Salvaged sugar cane pulp material which can be converted into biodegradable plates, cups and carry-out containers. Biodegradable Able to metabolically break down into simpler compounds including carbon dioxide, water and biomass, leaving no toxins behind. Biomass The biological matter, typically plant matter, which can be used for a potential source of energy or fuel. Bioplastic Disposable food service products made from vegetable or sugarcane fibers. They are designed to mimic plastic disposables but break down in commercial composting facilities or in nature without leaching any toxic chemicals. Compost The decomposed remnants of organic matter often used for fertilizer or landscaping purposes. Also see Humus. Composting The process of mixing various organic materials in a bin or heap where it leaves behind the compost, or humus. Composting diverts organic waste from landfills and can be done in-house, residentially or in a commercial facility. Compostable All natural and organic products or materials that are biodegradable with the help of air, moisture and natural organisms. Environmentally preferable Another way of saying environmentally friendly, sustainable or ecologically responsible. Some environmental certification programs use this terminology to describe green products or appliances. Green Refers to products, equipment, practices and concepts that promote environmental sustainability.
Humus Nutrient-rich mulch or compost resulting from mixing various organic chemicals together in a bin and allowing air, moisture and organisms to break it down. See Compost. PLA Processed corn starch called poly-lactic acid, used to form biodegradable cups and carry-out containers. Post consumer recycled content Waste content that has been used in the consumer market and then recycled into new products. Pre consumer recycled content Waste content that has never been used in the consumer market, such as products from manufacturers and processes, and has been recycled to make new products. PSM Various vegetable starches synthesized to form plant starch material, often made from mostly potato or corn starches to form cutlery, plates and containers. Renewable A resource regenerated by the earth year after year. Renewable products are constructed from sources the planet can regenerate quickly like sugarcane plants, or products that never expire, such as sun or wind. Sustainable A practice, resource or product the earth can repeatedly produce. Also, another way of saying environmentally friendly, green or ecologically responsible.