In this lesson, you will practice discussing personal habits and local initiatives related to environmental sustainability. The ability to express opinions, provide reasons, and make comparisons is essential for high-level academic communication, including the ITEP speaking and writing sections. We will explore how small, individual actions contribute to a larger positive impact and how different communities approach environmental challenges.

30 Tips for Sustainable Living

This video offers a comprehensive list of practical tips for living a more sustainable life, covering topics from home habits to shopping and travel.

Teacher's Note

This video is quite long (around 30 minutes). Depending on your class time, you may want to select specific sections to watch. Here are some suggested segments:

  • In the Kitchen: (01:06 - 06:35) - Covers composting, recycling, reusing jars, and reducing paper towel and cling film waste.
  • Cleaning & Laundry: (06:35 - 08:30) - Discusses eco-friendly detergents and air-drying clothes.
  • In the Bathroom: (08:30 - 12:44) - Focuses on shampoo bars, sustainable toothbrushes, and reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Shopping & Consumption: (17:30 - 23:32) - Explores bringing reusable bags, repairing items, and buying from bulk food shops.
  • Travel: (23:32 - 28:03) - Touches on public transit, bicycles, electric cars, and train travel.

30 Tips Mentioned in the Video

Here is a summary of the tips discussed for quick reference:

  1. Compost food scraps.
  2. Recycle correctly and avoid "wish-cycling."
  3. Save and reuse jars for food storage.
  4. Use reusable cloths instead of paper towels.
  5. Replace cling film and foil with reusable covers and baking mats.
  6. Switch to eco-friendly laundry detergents.
  7. Air dry your clothes.
  8. Switch to solid soap and shampoo bars.
  9. Use a compostable toothbrush.
  10. Use bamboo or recycled toilet paper.
  11. Choose reef-safe (mineral) sunscreen.
  12. Switch to a renewable energy provider for your home.
  13. Switch off plugs and unplug devices.
  14. Get a smart meter to monitor energy use.
  15. Improve your home's insulation.
  1. Switch to an ethical bank.
  2. Choose an ethical pension provider.
  3. Bring reusable bags when shopping.
  4. Repair items before replacing them.
  5. Sell or donate unwanted items responsibly.
  6. Buy from bulk food/package-free shops.
  7. Use public transport.
  8. Cycle or walk for short journeys.
  9. Consider an electric car if you need to drive.
  10. Car-pool or combine errands into single trips.
  11. Choose trains over planes for holidays where possible.
  12. Use reusable silicone bags to replace single-use plastic baggies.
  13. Make your own natural cleaning products.
  14. Talk to friends and family about sustainability.
  15. Remember it's about progress, not perfection.

Vocabulary

Understanding the language of sustainability is key. These terms will help you discuss the topic with greater precision.

Word Definition Example
recycle (v.) To convert waste into reusable material. Our city has a new program to recycle plastic containers and glass bottles.
compost (v.) To make a mixture of decaying organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, used for fertilizing soil. We compost our vegetable peels and coffee grounds to create rich soil for our garden.
public transit (n.) A system of buses, trains, etc., running on fixed routes, that is available to the public. Using public transit instead of driving alone can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
footprint (n.) The amount of environmental impact caused by a particular individual or organization. Usually refers to a "carbon footprint." Flying frequently increases a person's carbon footprint dramatically.
reuse (v.) To use again or more than once. Before you throw something away, think about how you could reuse it for another purpose.
sustainable choice (n.) A decision that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Choosing to buy products with minimal packaging is a simple sustainable choice.

Grammar Focus

To discuss habits and possibilities effectively, we will focus on two key grammar areas: frequency expressions and modal verbs.

Frequency Expressions

We use frequency expressions to describe how often an action occurs. While simple adverbs of frequency (e.g., always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never) are common, more complex phrases can add precision to your speaking and writing. These expressions are often placed at the beginning or end of a sentence.

Common Expressions:

  • check_box every day/week/month
  • check_box once a week/month/year
  • check_box twice a day/week
  • check_box from time to time
  • check_box every now and then
  • check_box most of the time
  • check_box once in a while

Examples:
Most of the time, I remember to bring my reusable bags to the grocery store.
My family tries to compost our food scraps every day.
Once in a while, I have to drive to work, but I usually take public transit.

Modal Verbs for Advice and Speculation

Modal verbs help us give advice or speculate about possibilities.

For giving advice:

  • should / shouldn't: This is the most common way to give advice.
  • ought to: This is a bit more formal than 'should' but has the same meaning.

Examples:
You should try to recycle your paper and cardboard.
Our city government ought to invest more in public transit to reduce traffic.

For speculation (discussing possibilities):

  • could / may / might: These verbs express that something is possible but not certain. They are excellent for brainstorming solutions or discussing potential outcomes.

Examples:
If we all made an effort, we could significantly reduce the amount of waste our community produces.
He might start composting if the city provided free bins.
Better recycling programs may encourage more people to participate.

ITEP Speaking Practice


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Exercise

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