Glossary

Decode the eco-speak with our friendly glossary list of green buzzwords and certifications.

Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST): Also referred to as Recombinant Bovine growth Hormone (rBGH), (rBST) is a drug injected into cows to make them produce 10 to 20% more milk that elevates levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which can cause cell division and tumor growth, and may cause breast and prostate cancer. Furthermore, cows treated with rBST have higher rates of infected or inflamed rudders, which must be treated with antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics has led to a rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH): A drug injected into cows to make them produce 10 to 20 percent more milk that elevates levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which can cause cell division and tumor growth, and may cause breast and prostate cancer. Furthermore, cows treated with rBGH have higher rates of infected or inflamed rudders, which must be treated with antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics has led to a rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Recycled tile and stone: Used in flooring, these products create an easy-to-clean surface that won't promote allergens. When working with stone, try to find materials native to your area and avoid stone from large-scale quarries, which can damage the environment. There are also quite a variety of tiles made with post-consumer waste materials, including recycled industrial glass or even recycled rubber.
Reclaimed wood: Flooring and other wood products remilled from salvaged timbers previously used as railroad ties, flooring or other building purposes. Its use prevents this lumber from becoming waste, while also preserving living trees.