Brush up on your green vocabulary in order to work more effectively with your CSR officer or CEO. Here is a sampling of CSR basics courtesy of Susan Nickbarg, principal at SVN Marketing, which specializes in CSR strategies.
1. Alternative Energy – Naturally generated energy source: any form of energy obtained from the sun, wind, waves, etc., in contrast to energy generated from fossil fuels.
2. Carbon Offset – A carbon offset represents a specific quantity of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions (i.e. a ton of carbon dioxide absorbed or avoided) from a project-based activity, which is purchased in order to negate or diminish the impact of the recipient’s GHG emissions.
3. Energy Efficiency – Occurs when you use less energy to accomplish the same task. Forms the basis for Energy Star appliances.
4. Organic - A labeling term that denotes products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act. Refer to federal agency definitions and guidelines for more specifics.
5. Renewable Resources – Earth’s resources than can regenerate, such as air, water, food crops, fish stocks and timber.
6. Waste Reduction – A process to eliminate the amount of waste generated at its source or to reduce the amount of toxicity from waste or the reuse of materials.
7. Zero Footprint – Having no detrimental impact on the environment, especially pollutants and degraded or consumed resources.
8. Greenwash (ing) - Disinformation, inaccurate or false claims so as to present an environmentally friendly image. Don’t do it.
PR News subscribers can find more CSR tips and strategies in: "CSR Reporting: Data Is Only a Third of the Communications Equation."
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