Babbel’s glossary has compiled about 20 terms directly related to the protection of the planet, some of which illustrate the new lifestyles centred around eco-responsibility.

Some words are already integrated into common discourse, such as “slow fashion”, which refers to dressing more ecologically by buying less clothes, and/or by privileging pieces that are locally made from ecological materials and that respect animal welfare.

“Upcycling” is also on the list. This practice, which is kind of a step up from recycling, consists of giving a used object a new look or a new use, for example by turning flip-flops into a yoga mat.

Some of the other words are perhaps less known. “Solastalgia”, a term invented by Australian philosopher Glenn Albrecht, is a contraction of “solace” and “nostalgia”, evoking a deep distress linked to the destruction of the environment. This phenomenon is also known as “eco-anxiety”.

The vocabulary also includes words such as “ungardening” and “wish-cycling”. The first designates the will to eliminate any presence of pesticide in one’s private garden to favour the development of wild fauna. It is sometimes also referred to as “rewilding”.

“Wish-cycling” describes the absurd but widespread tendency to throw a product in the recycling bin without really knowing if the waste in question is recyclable or not, and just hoping it will be recycled.

Meanwhile, “morbique”, which comes from the Latin word “morbus” or “disease”, refers to the desire to travel to places before they disappear or are altered by climate change – even if it means using polluting modes of transportation to visit them.

Babbel also explores terms from around the world that may be “untranslatable” but whose meaning evokes universal experiences and feelings.

For instance, “mottainai” is a word used by the Japanese to express the negative feeling generated by waste. It can also be translated as “don’t waste anything worthwhile”.