A friend and supporter, Bruce Hawtin sent along the following suggestion:

Every profession and cause has its own language–words used differently, out of context from what we are accustomed to. I suggest you have a definition column as a reference for words like carbon neutral, carbon offsets, etc.

OK, since I've been known to rant about acronyms and their lack of meaning to most folks, I'm happy to follow Bruce's advice. I'll start with the basics; send me a note (to kp@kpcomm.biz) if I use a word or term you don't understand and I'll add it to the glossary.

carbon neutral - Since it was Oxford Dictionary's Word of the Year, I'll go with their definition: Being carbon neutral involves calculating your total climate-damaging carbon emissions, reducing them where possible, and then balancing your remaining emissions, often by purchasing a carbon offset.

carbon offset: paying to plant new trees or investing in "green" technologies such as solar and wind power

carbon tax: a tax on energy sources which emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

green power: The term green power is typically used to describe locally available alternative/renewable energy sources–like Lower Valley Energy's Green Power.

green tags: Green tags are a flexible way to support renewable energy initiatives when you don't have access to green power through your local power provider.

standby power waste (aka phantom loads or leaking electricity): TVs, VCRs, computers, telephone answering machines, etc. draw energy not only when they are in use, but also when the power is thought to be off. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, leaking electricity is responsible for an estimated 45 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity consumed by U.S. households each year.

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