Glossary

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

The Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA): Certifies cosmetics as Australian Certified Organic if they contain 95 percent certified organic ingredients (excluding water and salt). The remaining 5 percent may not include any genetically engineered or irradiated ingredients but may contain minerals or naturally occurring, non-agricultural substances. Any products that contain 70 percent organic ingredients, with the remaining 30 percent being free of other ingredients prohibited in certified organic products, bear the BFA-registered label.
Triclosan: The most common ingredient used in antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaners, triclosan provides little additional benefit beyond those of plain soap, hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. In 2000, the World Health Organization reported that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in medicine and in livestock, coupled with rampant use of antibacterial soaps and other germ-killing products was contributing to a rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly those that cause pneumonia, tuberculosis, ear infections, meningitis and staph infections.
Titanium oxide: Similar to zinc oxide, it is the preferred active ingredient in sunscreens. However, it does have some environmental problems, as it releases carcinogenic dioxins into the environment during production.
Tremolite: A form of the human carcinogen asbestos, found in rocks and in manufactured sand made from crushed rocks. Studies of manufactured sand commonly used to fill children’s sandboxes have found asbestiform tremolite, which is known to cause asbestosis, lung cancer and abnormal tissue growth; and nonasbestiform tremolite. The second is almost indistinguishable from the first in its chemical composition and appearance, and many scientists argue that it presents similar health hazards.
Triethanolamine TEA: Used in liquid laundry detergents, TEA can react with preservatives called nitrites and form carcinogenic nitrosamines.