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.