These are interchangeable terms that can be defined as: Having minimal or no harmful or threatening impact on the natural environment.

A philosophy of creating eco-friendly products using sustainable technologies that will not deplete the earth of its remaiaining natural resources.

In general sense, sustainability is the capacity to maintain a process or state indefinitely. Most commonly, it refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. For example, the use of carbon-based fuels for energy is not sustainable, while the use of carbon based fuels for energy is not sustainable, while the use of solar power is.

The USDA certifies products as organic based on farming, handling, manufacturing, distribution and labeling practices. Crops must be raised with no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers containing synthetic chemicals, no sewage-sludge fertilizer, no bio-engineered foods or irradiation and no GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Farming practices should enhance and preserve soil and water. There are degrees of organic recognized by USDA.

• 100% Organic - All ingrediants are organic. Products with this rating cna use the USDA Organic seal.
• Organic - At least 95% of the ingredients, measured by weight, must be organic. The remaining 5% can only be natural or synthetic ingredients that are not available organically. May also use the USDA Organic seal.
• Made With Organic Ingredients - Products with at least 70% organic ingredients may say "Made With Organic Ingredients" and list up to three ingredients. This category may not use the USDA Organic seal.

Natural is not the same as organic. An apple is 100% natural, but unless it is grown and processed without any chemicals, it is not organic. Wool is 100% natural, but it may not be organic because of the way it was processed. Unlike organic, "natural" is not regulated, but there are USDA guidelines which state that, "A product containing no artificial ingredient or added color that is only minimally processed (a process which does not fundamentally alter the raw product) may be labeled 'natural.' The label must explain the use of the term (such as no added colorings or artificial ingredients; minimally processed)."

This refers to the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released when products are made, shipped, stored, sold and used by consumers. Different companies are calculating their products' carbon footprints differently, so comparisons are nearly impossible.

Misleading information disseminated by an organization or company so as to present an environmentally responsible public image.