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D
Decompose
To break down into smaller components.
Decomposers
Bacteria and fungi which break down dead plant and animal matter, returning nutrients to the soil or water.
Decomposition
A naturally occurring process where organic material is broken down by bacteria or fungi into smaller components.
E
Ecological footprint
A measure of the impact that an individual or a population has on their environment.
Electronics
Devices and appliances that are run by electricity or batteries.
Emissions
Substances (solids, liquids and gases) let out into the environment.
Environment
The natural or man-made surroundings in which people, animals and other organisms live.
EPS
A type of plastic - expanded polystyrene - used to make products like disposable cups and protective packaging.
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F
Fertilizer
A substance added to soil to make it more fertile.
Flux
A substance added to a furnace during metal smelting or glass-making which combines with impurities to form slag.
Fossil Fuels
Fuels created naturally beneath the Earth’s surface over long periods of time, from the remains of once-living things, eg coal, oil, and natural gas.
Fungus (Fungi)
Molds, mildews, yeasts, mushrooms and other organisms which obtain their nutrients from decaying organic matter.
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G
Glass
A hard, brittle substance, usually see-through, which is made by melting together sand, limestone and soda and then cooling quickly.
Global warming
An increase in the average temperature of the Earth, thought to be caused by the greenhouse effect.
Greenhouse effect
A warming effect of the Earth’s atmosphere and surface, due to a build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Greenhouse gas
A gas which acts like the glass in a greenhouse, trapping heat in the earth’s atmosphere, to cause the greenhouse effect. Two of the most common greenhouses gases are carbon dioxide and methane.
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