gene drift

A term used most often to describe what happens when genetically engineered crops accidentally cross-pollinate other crops or closely related weed species. When this happens, non-engineered crops and wild plants become contaminated with genetically engineered characteristics that can make organic crops non-organic and could cause weeds and wild plants to become heartier and more successful than other species, giving them the advantage and disturbing ecosystems.

General biocide

An antibacterial chemical capable of disrupting so many different cellular functions at once that bacteria encountering it cannot survive. General biocide antibacterial products do not contribute to the rising problem of disinfectant and antibiotic resistant “super bug” bacteria.

Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)

Substances added to foods, such as salt, sugar, spices and vitamins, which are excluded from safety assessment because they are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

genetically engineered

Organisms that have had genes carrying desired traits from another species joined to their own genetic code. Genetic engineering is a process that primarily been used to create new plants for agricultural purposes.

Germicides

A broad category of usually synthetic bactericides. While some germicidal ingredients are natural (tea tree oil, borax), it is safe to assume that any germicide ingredient has a synthetic source until proven otherwise. For more information, see benzalkonium chloride above.

Found in: Conventional spray disinfectants, disinfecting cleaners, disinfecting hand soaps and lotions.

Glycol Ethers

(See butyl cellosolve and ethyl cellosolve)

Greenwashing

A spin on the term “whitewashing”, greenwashing occurs when manufacturers attempts to label a product “green” or “environmentally friendly” when in fact there's little or no difference between the product in question and regular products of its kind.