What does it all mean? Eco-speak from the green revolution
Having trouble with the terminology? Andy Kenworthy explains a few basic terms from the green revolution
Biodynamic agriculture
Emphasises compost and lunar planting calendars, instead of chemical sprays and fertilisers. Practitioners stuff cow horns full of cow poo and bury them to create super-powered fertiliser. Honestly.
Bioaccumulation
Toxic substances that build up in plants, animals and us. The odd bit of pesticide may not harm you directly, but eventually Kiwi blokes may develop man-boobs and a fondness for Abba records.
Carcinogen
Any cancer-producing substance. So many are discovered each week it is increasingly likely that life gives you cancer the same way rain and time give rust to a bicycle.
Eco-tourism
A hotel with recycling bins. Rapidly becoming extinction tourism, as we race around the globe taking photos of things our children will never see because of all the pollution caused by international travel.
Extinction
Dead as a dodo. If the animal is cuddly or cute enough, humans will leave just enough of whatever it is for David Attenborough to whisper at. If it’s an insect, no chance.
Freecycle
Online jumble sale at www.freecycle.org, without the sale. Give away stuff you don’t need; claim free stuff you may or may not, on reflection, discover you need. If you are lucky, this may indeed include a free bicycle.
Recycle
Separation and collection of materials for ‘remanufacturing’ as new products. What normally happens is ‘downcycling’, where the resulting product is less valuable than the one you started with. ‘Upcycling’, on the other hand, makes more valuable products from less valuable pre-used materials.
Self-sufficiency
The ability to provide all of your needs yourself, without the help of others. Unlikely to help if civilisation breaks down: you have potatoes, your neighbours don’t have potatoes, they steal your potatoes when you’re not looking.
Toxin
A poisonous substance produced by living cells or organisms and capable of causing disease. Some commentators on Radio Live qualify (see also bioaccumulation).
