A colourless gas that is naturally produced from animals and people in exhaled air and the decay of plants. See waste prevention. In the context of waste, certificates or other documents granted by local authorities to private companies to collect and manage waste or to operate waste management facilities such as recycling centres. Over the years, there have been many opinions on how to manage public lands. A common radioactive gas emitted from ordinary soils and rock. See also renewable energy. Click card to see definition . A statement about the expected effects on the environment of a proposed project or development such as a new road or waste water treatment plant, including how any severe effects on the environment will be addressed. A resource that can be used again and again without reducing its supply because it is constantly topped up, for example wind or sun rays. In this guide, the movement of air between the inside and outside of a building usually through windows, doors and air vents built into the building’s walls or ceilings. A place where you can bring materials for recycling, for example glass, newspapers, heavy cardboard and textiles. Click card to see definition . The gradual increase in temperature of the Earth’s surface caused by human activities that cause high levels of carbon dioxide and other gases to be released into the air. “Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical, biological and information sciences (including ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, plant science, zoology, mineralogy, oceanography, limnology, soil science, geology and physical geography, and atmospheric science) to the study of the environment, and the solution of environmental problems. To break waste items down into their raw materials, which are then used to re-make the original item or make new items. A design, usually of a building, that includes environmentally-friendly features such as solar panels, skylights or recycled building materials. To use an item more than once for the same purpose, which helps save money, time, energy and resources. The National Adult Literacy Agency(NALA) has developed an A – Z guide containing over 100 explanations of common environmental terms. All WEEE left in retail outlets and civic amenity sites are collected for recycling. See also recycling centre and civic amenity site. Leaves, straw or compost used to cover growing plants to protect them from the wind or cold. Short for National Parks and Wildlife Service, which works under the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to manage and maintain State-owned national parks and nature reserves and protect and preserve Ireland’s native animals and plants. (Source: US EPA), A corrosive solution with a Ph of less than 7 (Source: US EPA). 1. extinct oxygen in the form of molecules with three atoms, created by exposure of oxygen to electrical discharge or ultraviolet radiation, having a sharp smell, and being an effective oxidant for use in bleaching and sterilizing. Pemission to emit to the atmosphere, one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent, during a specific trading period. Fuels – such as coal, gas, peat and oil – that are formed in the ground over a long time from dead plants and animals and are used up once they are burned for energy. A voluntary international label that identifies appliances that meet certain standards of energy efficiency. These tables provide the word or phrase in the left column and an example of how to use the term(s) in the righthand column to provide context. Smog can cause eye irritations and breathing problems and damage plant life. considered ideal for gardening and agricultural uses. 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