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TUCSON, Ariz. — When deciphering what a word means, you have to decide if you want to know the denotative or connotative meaning. At least that's what Amy Fountain, an adjunct professor of linguistics at the University of Arizona says.

Fountain believes that connotative usages of “green” — those that associate implications with the word — will become better represented the more it gets used in print. “When dictionaries consider adding new words, they scan written uses of language and pick up patterns,” said Fountain.

Fountain personally thinks the word “green” means something environmentally responsible, Her vision of green includes recycling, clean energy, alternative energy, solar power, and freecycle; a Tucson based program where people sign up to give away things instead of throwing them out.

Experts in various disciplines focus on different aspects of “green.” While Fountain thought of “green” in terms of the trend it is heading toward, Kevin Burke, a student coordinator for sustainability at the University of Arizona thought in terms of money.

“My definition regarding how UA looks at (green) includes everything on campus that deals with economy, ecology, and equity," said Burke. He personally thinks about the word as more of a social conscience that each person can do small things to affect the larger picture in society.

“As cliché as it sounds, you have to go green in small steps," said Burke. “Think globally, act locally.”

It seems that people’s profession impacts how they think of green. The linguist wanted to dissect the word “green” into different types of meaning and think about it theoretically, while the campus sustainability student coordinator thought in terms of action and how UA students and the Tucson community can become active.

“Media and popular culture have reinforced the idea of ‘green.’ I think it has been the biggest change driving the market,” said Burke.

He also said that the two factors that cause change are people that want to make change by adapting early on, and alternatively, the group that waits until the market dictates it.

For example, Whirlpool makes an entire line of Energy Star appliances that conserve energy. These are also the products that are advertised on commercials.

Similarly to what Burke said, these products marketed are hinting at the trend other appliances will follow in order to please consumers: going green and conserving energy. Popular culture and media lead us to believe that all companies will either join with energy saving appliances or fall behind, said Burke.

Sarah Weisfeld, a student at University of Arizona said that she wouldn’t consider buying energy saving appliances. Even though Weisfeld hasn’t jumped on the eco-bandwagon yet, she knows how to think about it. “To me, going green means conserving energy, recycling, using less electricity, and being conscious of energy use.”

Weisfeld admits to leaving the water on when she brushes her teeth—she’s said it’s just easier that way.

“It’s not that I try not to save energy. If a product conserves energy and I like it, I’ll use it but if I don’t like that option, then I won’t," said Weisfeld.

No one really has a detailed definition of what green means to them because the movement affects everyone differently.

For those that want to contribute to defining “green” before it is defined for you, continue to read, write, and get involved in the movement to help focus our goals for our earth.