B2 Vocabulary: Environment and Sustainability

Sustainable

  • Definition: Capable of being maintained over the long term without depleting resources or harming the environment.
  • Example: Choosing sustainable products helps ensure that natural resources are preserved for future generations.

Environmental Impact

  • Definition: The effect of human activities on the natural world.
  • Example: Reducing your environmental impact can be as simple as recycling or using less water.

Mindful Consumption

  • Definition: The practice of being aware and deliberate about what and how much you buy.
  • Example: Practicing mindful consumption involves buying only what you need to reduce waste.

Packaging

  • Definition: The materials used to wrap or protect goods.
  • Example: Choosing products with minimal packaging helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.

Reusing

  • Definition: The act of using something again instead of throwing it away.
  • Example: Reusing shopping bags can significantly reduce plastic waste.

Recycling

  • Definition: The process of converting waste into reusable material.
  • Example: Recycling paper, plastic, glass, and metal helps conserve natural resources.

Raw Materials

  • Definition: The basic material from which products are made.
  • Example: Recycling reduces the need for raw materials like trees and minerals.

Energy Conservation

  • Definition: The effort to reduce energy consumption through using less energy and more efficient technologies.
  • Example: Turning off lights when not in use is a simple way to practice energy conservation.

Thermostat

  • Definition: A device that regulates temperature.
  • Example: Setting your thermostat to a reasonable temperature can help save energy.

Renewable Energy

  • Definition: Energy from natural sources that are constantly replenished, such as solar or wind power.
  • Example: Installing solar panels is an effective way to use renewable energy.

Carbon Footprint

  • Definition: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activities, usually measured in carbon dioxide equivalent.
  • Example: Reducing your carbon footprint can help mitigate climate change.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

  • Definition: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
  • Example: Using public transportation can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Fuel-efficient

  • Definition: Using less fuel to travel the same distance compared to other vehicles.
  • Example: Driving a fuel-efficient car can save money and reduce environmental harm.

Electric Vehicles

  • Definition: Vehicles powered by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel.
  • Example: Switching to an electric vehicle can significantly reduce your carbon emissions.

Water Conservation

  • Definition: The practice of using water efficiently to reduce unnecessary waste.
  • Example: Fixing leaks is an essential part of water conservation.

Drought-resistant

  • Definition: Plants that can survive with minimal water.
  • Example: Using drought-resistant plants in your garden can help save water.

Fair Trade

  • Definition: Trade in which fair prices are paid to producers in developing countries.
  • Example: Buying fair trade products ensures that farmers and workers receive fair wages.

Local Economy

  • Definition: The economy of a local area, typically characterized by small businesses and local production.
  • Example: Supporting the local economy by buying from local farmers helps reduce transportation emissions.

Advocating

  • Definition: Publicly supporting a cause or policy.
  • Example: Advocating for environmental policies can lead to broader community changes.

Amplify

  • Definition: To increase the strength or effect of something.
  • Example: Your efforts to live sustainably can be amplified by educating others about environmental issues.

Renewable Resources

  • Definition: Natural resources that can be replenished naturally over time.
  • Example: Wind and solar energy are renewable resources that do not deplete over time.

Conserve

  • Definition: To protect and preserve something from loss or waste.
  • Example: Conserving water helps ensure there is enough for everyone, now and in the future.

Processed

  • Definition: Treated or prepared through a special method.
  • Example: Recycling plants process old materials to make new products.

Minimal

  • Definition: The least amount possible.
  • Example: Using products with minimal packaging helps reduce waste.

Precious Resource

  • Definition: A valuable and limited natural resource.
  • Example: Water is a precious resource that must be conserved to ensure availability for future generations.