Glossary

A form of energy that is transmitted in waves, rays or particles from a natural source, such as the sun and the ground, or an artificial source, such as an x-ray machine. Radiation can be ionising or non-ionising. Ionising radiation includes ultraviolet rays, radon gas and X-rays. Too much exposure to ionising radiation can be harmful, leading to increased risk of cancer. Non-ionising radiation includes visible light, radio waves and microwaves. This type of radiation is less risky to health because it contains less energy, but it can still be harmful at high levels for a long time.

To break waste items down into their raw materials, which are then used to re-make the original item or make new items.

To break waste items down into their raw materials, which are then used to re-make the original item or make new items.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species provides taxonomic, conservation status and distribution information on taxa that have been globally evaluated using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. This system is designed to determine the relative risk of extinction, and the main purpose of the IUCN Red List is to catalogue and highlight those taxa that are facing a higher risk of global extinction (i.e. those listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable). The IUCN Red List also includes information on taxa that are categorized as Extinct or Extinct in the Wild; on taxa that cannot be evaluated because of insufficient information (i.e. are Data Deficient); and on taxa that are either close to meeting the threatened thresholds or that would be threatened were it not for an ongoing taxon-specific conservation programme (i.e. are Near Threatened).

The process of planting trees in forest lands to replace those that have been cut down.

The process of planting trees in forest lands to replace those that have been cut down.

Another name for waste.

Another name for waste.

The recovery of specific ecosystem services in a degraded ecosystem or habitat.

Energy from renewable resources such as wind power, solar energy or biomass.

Energy from renewable resources such as wind power, solar energy or biomass.

A resource that can be used again and again without reducing its supply because it is constantly topped up, for example wind or sun rays.

A resource that can be used again and again without reducing its supply because it is constantly topped up, for example wind or sun rays.

The study of natural ecosystem services and the economic values, in terms real-world currencies and capital valuations, of those services. One of the goals of resource economics is to assist policy makers in performing the cost-benefit analysis of various plans of action or inaction with regard to the natural world. The value of an ecosystem service is determined by calculating what it would cost to perform the same service artificially if the naturally-occurring service were disrupted or destroyed.

The return of an ecosystem or habitat to its original community structure, natural complement of species, and natural functions.

To use an item more than once for the same purpose, which helps save money, time, energy and resources.

To use an item more than once for the same purpose, which helps save money, time, energy and resources.

Riparian describes the land immediate surrounding water sources where water strongly influences the immediate ecosystem. (Shyam, R., 2008)

Riparian describes the land immediate surrounding water sources where water strongly influences the immediate ecosystem.

The rows or planting beds are far enough apart to permit the operation of machinery between them for cultural operations.