Photodegradable
Substances that can be degraded (broken down into their simpler, basic forms) by the action of ultraviolet rays present in the sunlight.

Phthalates
Phthalates are chemicals used to make vinyl and other plastic materials soft and with increased flexibility. Phthalates exist in many different commonplace items, such as toys, food storage containers and wrappers, carpets, car interiors, and anything made of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). Phthalates are classified by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen, meaning they most likely cause cancer at certain concentrations, and have been linked to damage of the liver and testes of rodents. A few studies have shown a connection between genital abnormalities in baby boys with high concentrations of phthalates in their mothers’ urine. In 1999 the European Union banned phthalates in toys for children under three, to prevent possible health risk. Many foods contain phthalates that leach from their plastic packaging, especially when food and plastic are heated together.

Phantom Load
A phantom load is the electricity consumed by an appliance or electrical device when it is not actively being used or is in the “off” mode.  Often referred to as “power vampires”, devices appear to be off but they continue to extract electricity from outlets to ensure that the circuits are always ready the next time they are turned on. Power vampires only consume a few watts when they aren’t in use, but daily and throughout the year, those few watts add up to almost 20% of the power for your home. Common power vampires include TV’s, DVD players and VCR’s, cable boxes and modems, rechargeable battery chargers, answering machines, fax machines and printers. It basically includes any device with a power adapter or if it feels warm after it has been switched off for a while.

Plastic
Plastic is the general common term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic solid materials suitable for the manufacture of industrial products. Plastic containers may contain carcinogens and are not biodegradable. Most plastic containers are thrown away and end up in landfills. Most plastics are made from petroleum; a non-renewable resource extracted and processed using energy-intensive techniques that destroy fragile ecosystems. Environmentally, plastic is a growing disaster. Plastic packaging – especially the ubiquitous plastic bag and plastic bottle – is a dominant source of landfill waste and is regularly eaten by numerous marine and land animals, to fatal consequences.

Click here to view the Smart Plastics Guide

Plastic Packaging
Plastic packaging is durable, inexpensive to produce and widely used. But it’s created using valuable fossil fuels, it’s not biodegradable and it dominates precious landfill space. Plastics are manufactured with various blends of chemicals, some of which, like Bisphenol-A and phthalates, are toxic. These toxins can be released into the environment as the plastic gradually breaks down into smaller particles, presenting a peril to the living species in the area.  There are many ways to help reduce plastic waste including recycling and reducing the number of plastic shopping bags by using reusable bags instead.

Click here to view the Smart Plastics Guide

Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into an environment that causes instability or harm to the ecosystem. These contaminants negatively impact the life forms inhabiting that environment, as well the ecosystem as a whole. Pollution comes in various forms. Reducing the amount of pollution (whether it is air, water, noise, soil, radioactive, etc.) is vital to forming a sustainable world that will continue to support living beings in the future.

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