Eco - what does it mean?

Ecology, eco products, eco technologies, eco-labels, eco-pea coal, eco trends, eco design... all these words are connected by the eco prefix. The concept of eco (eco) has undoubtedly become one of the most popular words in the world in recent years. What does it mean? Where did eco trends in everyday life and in industry come from? Let's look for an answer.

Eco (eco) - what does it mean?

In the Dictionary of the Polish Language, we find information that the word eco is the first part of various words that have a meaning related to the natural environment or its protection. Therefore, both certain activities and products (products), services, technologies, fashion or lifestyle can be eco. The adjective: ecological has a definitely positive connotation and is associated with everything that is conducive to nature .

It is worth noting that in Poland the word eco is used more often, while in the world the prefix eco has been adopted. Many people also use the term bio interchangeably, but it is not correct, because it mainly applies to food and cosmetics, produced without artificial additives, pesticides, etc.

Where did eco fashion come from?

As reality shows, eco fashion is not a fleeting trend. For several decades, humanity has been making a great turn towards environmental protection. Already in 1961, the WWF organization was founded, working to save nature. 10 years later, Greenpeace was established, one of the first organizations in the world to promote pro-ecological activities. In the West, being eco became fashionable 50 years ago, when waste was segregated in private homes on a massive scale!

With the development of science and growing problems such as global warming or droughts, we began to pay more attention to the issue of saving resources and energy. More and more companies and well-known brands (Calvin Klein, Chanel, Volvo, etc.) began to give up the predatory economy for climate protection and endangered species of fauna and flora. The voice of the youngest, conscious generation was a young Swedish student, Greta Thunberg, the initiator of the Youth Climate Strike. Undoubtedly, it is thanks to Thunberg that the word: eco has acquired a new, serious connotation. It is no longer just a buzzword, but an attitude on which the future of humanity depends.

What does it mean to be eco?

Some people like to talk about themselves that they are eco. What does it mean? You can be eco in many different ways. Some attach great importance to waste segregation. Others adhere to the zero waste principle and try to keep raw materials in circulation as long as possible (for example, they use coffee grounds to fertilize the earth or make furniture from euro pallets). There are also those for whom being eco means saving energy, fuel and water during everyday, routine activities such as commuting to work or cooking dinner.

Nowadays, being eco means: being aware of the threats related to the pollution of the Earth. Eco-minded people want to reduce their carbon footprint, protect the natural environment and the dwindling resources of non-renewable raw materials.

What is the eco trend in the industry?

Eco trends can now be seen both at the social level and in modern business. Ecological solutions began to be used mainly in industry as a response to the ideas of the Green Deal. In Europe and around the world, plans have been developed to reduce emissions of pollutants that cause the greenhouse effect. Methods for producing green energy and energy-saving industrial installations were also developed.

Industry is one of the key sectors of the economies of Europe and the West. It is also one of the most environmentally threatening forms of human activity. It would seem that industry cannot be eco-friendly. However, as it turns out, it is possible thanks to:

• the use of new, energy-saving technologies and the principles of sustainable development,
• replacement of obsolete machines, boilers, devices,
• the use of renewable raw materials (such as: biofuels, biogases, energy from water, wind and sun),
• applying the principle of closed circulation of raw materials and limiting the amount of generated waste,
• reducing the area of ​​industrial landfills and intensive soil reclamation in the areas of former landfills.

Why is it worth focusing on eco habits and eco solutions?

What is the importance of pro-ecological changes in the life of an individual, society and enterprises? Thanks to a conscious approach to environmental protection, we can stop the process of global warming and save non-renewable resources. When we are eco, we contribute to improving the condition of air, water and soil. We also use less energy, which means that we also pay lower electricity or heating bills!

Eco innovations in the industry are an investment in the future of the next generations. What are the benefits of replacing outdated technologies with pro-ecological solutions? Certainly, this is one of the most important activities that determine decent living conditions on Earth. When we take care of the condition of the earth's atmosphere and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases, the problem of weather anomalies and melting of glaciers will cease. The introduction of eco-ideas in the industry will also reduce the amount of volatile pollutants that cause civilization diseases of the respiratory system.