Three Spheres of Sustainability Vocabulary

energy efficiency

Energy efficiency simply means using less energy to perform the same task - that is, eliminating energy waste.

worker's rights

legal rights and human rights relating to labor relations between workers and employers

natural resources

materials or substances such as minerals, forests, water, and fertile land that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain.

conservation

prevention of wasteful use of a resource.

global stewardship

a "global steward" as being someone who, in recognizing their kinship with all living beings, chooses a lifestyle that is sustainable for all life, including future generations.

profit

a financial gain, especially the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent in buying

cost savings

a reduction in expenses, especially in business

education

an enlightening experience, learning about a topic or developing expertise

economic growth

an increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time

environmental justice

environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

standard of living

the degree of wealth and material comfort available to a person or community.

environment

the natural world, as a whole or in a particular geographical area, especially as affected by human activity

equal opportunity

the policy of treating employees and others without discrimination, especially on the basis of their sex, race, or age

pollution

the presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing that has harmful or poisonous effects.

business ethics

the set of moral rules that govern how businesses operate, how business decisions are made and how people are treated

fair trade

trade between companies in developed countries and producers in developing countries in which fair prices are paid to the producers.