Here is a quick introduction (or review) of some eco-terms important to Stuff and our mission. It's important to know some of the basics in the movement to "go green"! Look for more "Eco Buzz" posts coming soon!

1. “Close the Loop” or “Zero Waste” To produce and/or buy a product which has been remanufactured, reprocessed, or reused on more than one occasion in an attempt to totally eliminate waste. Making art from aluminum cans is a perfect example of “closing the loop”!
2.  “Downcycling” A term used for the process of recycling; which is seen as "downcycling" materials into lesser products, a plastic computer housing becomes a plastic cup, which then becomes a park bench, eventually becoming waste. Even if a product is made of recycled material, it will still eventually become waste (its life is just longer!). 
3. “Environmental design”
Designing physical environments that are socially and ecologically sustainable. It takes a variety of factors into account, including the urban and natural landscape, noise and acoustics, aesthetics, air quality and natural light, ergonomics and accessibility, historic preservation and vernacular design in an attempt to create environmentally and eco-friendly homes, offices, and other manufactured environments.  
4.  “Greenwashing” Manufacturers, corporations, and/or government agencies who make false claims that their products are eco-friendly, sustainable or organic. Be wary of products claiming to be something they’re not – use your best judgment!
5. “Sustainable living” A lifestyle that seeks to reduce individual and societal use of natural resources by changing the way everyday products are purchased, used, and disposed of. Donating materials to Stuff would certainly apply!
6. “Upcycling” Waste materials are used to create new products, reducing the amount of waste in landfills and giving the items greater value. For example, making jewelry from found objects or art from trash are forms of upcycling.  
7. “Waste hierarchy: Reduce - Reuse -  Recycle" The aim of this hierarchy is to extract the maximum benefit from products while generating the minimum amount of waste. Most importantly, we should reduce the amount of waste we are generating in the first place, then we should focus on reusing what we have or what others have, and finally we should recycle.Generated by Emma