eco

Eco is a common prefix and shorthand related to ecology and environmental concerns. The term derives from the Greek oikos, meaning house or household, and by extension the environment. In modern usage, eco- signals a relationship to living systems and sustainability.

In scientific contexts, eco- appears in ecology, ecosystem, and related terms; ecology studies interactions among organisms and their environment, while ecosystems describe integrated communities and their physical surroundings. The phrase ecosystem services refers to benefits humans receive from natural systems.

In everyday language and marketing, eco- is used in phrases such as eco-friendly, eco-conscious, and eco-tourism to denote reduced environmental impact or stewardship. Product labeling varies in rigor and standardization, and some terms are governed by certification schemes.

Historical note: The adoption of eco- as a public-facing shorthand rose during the environmental movement in the 1960s and 1970s, and has since become common in policy, industry, and media.

Related topics include ecology, environmentalism, and sustainability.