Even a Nerd Can Be Heard

Last week I attended a conference for wineries who wanted to incorporate more green practices into their operations.  It was amazing to me how far along wineries already are in their efforts to operate sustainable farms and to take care of their environment.

But, since I am a student of all things presentation, I couldn't help but notice that the "green people" have some communication issues of their own. Now remember,  when I use the term "nerd", I am referring to anyone who has a bunch of special terminology that they live and breathe and talk about when they are behind a podium.  And I discovered ample nerds at this event.

It seems there are a whole bunch of green concepts that have to do with carbon and they get bandied about quite regularly so if you aren't with it, you don't know what these green nerds are talking about. Add to that all of the green certifications and agencies who get involved in the greenery issues surrounding wineries and you can get totally lost. And lost I was.

So I have now learned these three concepts that have to do with carbon :

Carbon Neutral - all carbon dioxide produced is offset by the purchase of carbon credits.

Carbon Offsets - tools for becoming carbon neutral. Basically you buy carbon credits and you get an offset from the universe for any carbon dioxide that you produce.

Zero Carbon Footprint - eliminating all carbon dioxide emissions or consuming all carbon dioxide that you produce. This seems to be the ultimate goal for green initiatives.

We are all going to become much more familiar with these and other green terms going forward.  

But for now, if you are making a presentation (green or otherwise) just take the time to explain your terms, acronyms, and other special sayings so that everyone in your audience can stay with you.