American English · B1 · Unit 19
The environment
The environment
By the end you can
- Say what you do for the environment
- Discuss a local environmental problem
- Understand a text about the environment
Words and phrases
| American English | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| recycle | make waste into new things | We recycle paper, glass and plastic. |
| cut down on | use less of | I'm trying to cut down on plastic. |
| a community garden | a garden that neighbors share | Let's start a community garden on the empty lot. |
| waste | throw away or use badly | We waste so much food. |
| make a difference | have a good effect | Even small changes can make a difference. |
| reusable | can be used many times | I always bring reusable bags to the store. |
| carpool | share a car to work or school | We carpool to work three days a week. |
| pollution | dirty air, water or soil | Air pollution is bad near the freeway. |
| save energy | use less electricity or gas | We turn off the lights to save energy. |
| the compost | food and garden waste that slowly becomes soil | Put the vegetable scraps in the compost. |
| climate change | the change in the world's weather because of human activity | Climate change is making our summers hotter. |
| get involved | take part, help | Anyone in the building can get involved. |
Then talk it through
Neighbours discuss starting a shared garden. In the app you have this conversation out loud or typed, with the unit's goals to tick off and corrections at the end.