This is my ultimate guide on how to talk about the environment in English.
I cover a lot of ground in the following pages. You will find hundreds of useful vocabulary and phrases that you can use when talking about the environment.
Talking about the environment today is of great importance.
We only have to look online briefly to see how many people are talking about saving the planet and using less harmful products in our daily lives.
We are all global citizens, and we must be well-informed about environmental issues and how to take care of the world we live in.
My fully comprehensive helps you to learn how to talk about the environment. I introduce all the nouns, verbs, and adjectives you will need to have in-depth conversations about the challenges we face when trying to protect our world.
This guide will also help you when reading about environmental issues. You will have a greater understanding of the terms and expressions used.
You should definitely use this guide if you are preparing for the IELTS test. Or if you wish to have conversations in English about looking after the environment.
Are you ready?
Let’s dive in…
Nouns And Verbs About The Environment
I think the first thing to do is look at some nouns and verbs that are commonly used to talk about the environment.
Below, I have compiled two lists of nouns and verbs. I provide meanings and examples of how these words are used in sentences.
You should practice these by reading out loud!
Let’s go.
Essential Nouns Related To The Environment
Climate: The long-term weather patterns of a region or the Earth as a whole.
Example: “The increasing frequency of hurricanes and heatwaves is a clear indication of the changing climate.”
Biodiversity: The variety of plant and animal species present in a particular habitat or on Earth.
Example: “The rainforest’s incredible biodiversity is at risk due to deforestation.”
Conservation: The act of protecting and preserving natural resources, habitats, and wildlife.
Example: “The government is implementing strict conservation measures to save the endangered species from extinction.”
Pollution: The introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment.
Example: “Industrial pollution has led to the contamination of the nearby river, posing a threat to aquatic life.”
Renewable Energy: Energy obtained from sustainable sources that can be naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, or hydropower.
Example: “Investing in renewable energy is crucial for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.”
Ecosystem: A community of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.
Example: “The coral reef ecosystem supports a diverse range of marine life and is vital to the ocean’s health.”
Deforestation: The widespread clearing of forests, usually for agricultural or industrial purposes.
Example: “Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is a significant concern due to its impact on carbon sequestration and biodiversity loss.”
Global Warming: The gradual increase in the Earth’s average temperature due to human activities, mainly greenhouse gas emissions.
Example: “The effects of global warming are evident in the melting polar ice caps and rising sea levels.”
Sustainability: The practice of meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Example: “Adopting sustainable farming practices is essential to ensure the productivity of the land for future agricultural needs.”
Ozone Layer: A region of the Earth’s stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone, which protects us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Example: “The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement aimed at protecting the ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances.”
Habitat: The natural environment where a particular species or organism lives and thrives.
Example: “The destruction of the wetland habitat has resulted in a decline in the population of migratory birds.”
Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, or product.
Example: “Reducing your carbon footprint can be achieved by using public transportation and consuming locally sourced goods.”
Common Verbs Used In Environmental Discussions
Conserve: To protect and preserve natural resources and the environment.
Example: “We need to conserve water by fixing leaky taps and using water-saving technologies.”
Recycle: To process used materials and convert them into new products to reduce waste.
Example: “In our office, we encourage employees to recycle paper, plastic, and glass in designated bins.”
Pollute: To contaminate the environment with harmful substances.
Example: “Factory emissions are polluting the air, leading to increased respiratory problems in nearby communities.”
Reduce: To decrease the amount of waste, energy, or resources used.
Example: “One way to reduce our ecological impact is to use energy-efficient appliances and lighting.”
Reuse: To use items or materials again, extending their lifecycle.
Example: “Instead of throwing away old clothing, consider donating them or repurposing them for craft projects.”
Protect: To shield or defend the environment from harm or damage.
Example: “National parks are established to protect natural landscapes and wildlife from human interference.”
Plant: To put seeds or young plants into the ground to grow.
Example: “Volunteers gathered to plant trees in the urban area, aiming to improve air quality and enhance the neighbourhood’s beauty.”
Advocate: To publicly support and promote specific environmental causes or policies.
Example: “The organization advocates for renewable energy and raises awareness about its benefits.”
Preserve: To maintain its original or existing state, especially regarding natural habitats.
Example: “Conservationists work diligently to preserve the delicate balance of the rainforest ecosystem.”
Combat: To fight against or take action to address environmental challenges.
Example: “International cooperation is crucial to combat the illegal trade in endangered species.”
Sustain: To support or keep something going for an extended period, especially related to environmental practices.
Example: “We must adopt sustainable farming methods to sustain soil fertility and protect water resources.”
Protect: To take measures to safeguard the environment or specific species.
Example: “Marine protected areas help protect vulnerable marine ecosystems from overfishing and other threats.”
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Adjectives To Describe The Environment
And just as we have nouns and verbs to talk about the environment, we also have many adjectives.
There are two main ways we can use adjectives when describing the environment.
1. Adjectives used to describe the beauty of the natural world.
2. Adjectives used to describe environmental damage.
I have compiled two big lists below.
Practice all of these words by speaking them out loud. Check the examples I have provided and speak these out loud too.
Descriptive Adjectives For The Natural World
Breathtaking: Extremely beautiful or impressive; capable of taking one’s breath away.
Example: “The view from the mountaintop was absolutely breathtaking, with vast valleys and snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the eye could see.”
Pristine: In a pure, untouched, or unspoiled condition.
Example: “The beach on the remote island remained pristine, as it was untouched by tourism and development.”
Lush: Abundantly green, rich, and vibrant; characterized by flourishing vegetation.
Example: “Walking through the lush rainforest, you could hear the sounds of birds and insects amidst the dense foliage.”
Spectacular: Remarkably impressive, grand, or sensational.
Example: “We went on a hike to witness the spectacular waterfall cascading down the cliffs.”
Picturesque: Visually attractive, often in a charming or idyllic way.
Example: “The countryside town was picturesque, with quaint cottages and colourful gardens lining the streets.”
Serene: Calm, peaceful, and tranquil, often describing natural environments.
Example: “The serene lake at dawn provided a reflective surface, mirroring the surrounding mountains and clouds.”
Majestic: Dignified, magnificent, or grand in appearance.
Example: “The majestic oak tree stood tall in the middle of the meadow, a symbol of strength and longevity.”
Pristine: Unspoiled and free from human influence; in its original condition.
Example: “The hike led us to a pristine, crystal-clear lake, surrounded by untouched wilderness.”
Exquisite: Delicately beautiful and intricate, often applied to details in nature.
Example: “The garden displayed an exquisite array of flowers, each petal seeming like a work of art.”
Verdant: Green and lush, usually describing landscapes and vegetation.
Example: “The verdant hillsides were covered in emerald green grass, making it an ideal location for grazing animals.”
Tranquil: Peaceful and quiet, providing a sense of calm and relaxation.
Example: “We found a tranquil spot by the riverbank, where we could sit and listen to the gentle flow of water.”
Idyllic: Extremely pleasing, picturesque, and harmonious, often used to describe rural settings.
Example: “The cabin nestled in the idyllic valley, surrounded by wildflowers and the sounds of chirping birds.”
Adjectives To Depict Environmental Issues
Alarming: Causing fear, distress, or concern; indicating a serious and urgent problem.
Example: “The alarming increase in deforestation rates is threatening the survival of many endangered species.”
Critical: Extremely important and urgent; requiring immediate attention and action.
Example: “The depletion of the ozone layer is a critical environmental issue that demands global cooperation to address.”
Sustainable: Able to be maintained over the long term without depleting resources or causing environmental harm.
Example: “Switching to sustainable energy sources like solar and wind power is essential for reducing carbon emissions.”
Devastating: Causing severe and widespread damage, destruction, or loss.
Example: “The devastating effects of oil spills on marine life and coastal ecosystems are well-documented.”
Dire: Extremely serious and urgent; indicating a threatening or perilous situation.
Example: “Many scientists warn that we are facing dire consequences if we don’t take immediate action to combat climate change.”
Catastrophic: Involving or causing a sudden and widespread disaster or tragedy.
Example: “The catastrophic impact of wildfires has led to the destruction of vast forests and displacement of wildlife.”
Unsustainable: Unable to be maintained in the long term due to excessive resource consumption or ecological damage.
Example: “The current rate of water usage in the region is unsustainable, leading to water scarcity and environmental degradation.”
Pressing: Urgent and requiring immediate attention or action.
Example: “The pressing issue of plastic pollution in our oceans demands effective waste management and recycling solutions.”
Critical: Reaching a crucial stage; indicating the point of no return without intervention.
Example: “The critical loss of biodiversity threatens ecosystem stability and human well-being.”
Worrisome: Causing worry or concern; indicating a potential problem or threat.
Example: “The worrisome increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere contributes to global warming.”
Destructive: Causing significant harm or damage to the environment or ecosystems.
Example: “The destructive effects of overfishing have led to the depletion of fish populations in many oceans.”
Acute: Intense and severe; describing a problem that requires immediate attention.
Example: “The acute water shortage in the drought-affected region poses a serious threat to human and animal populations.”
Expressions To Discuss Climate Change
In English, there are specific phrases that we use to discuss climate change.
Below you can see a list of phrases that are very commonly used in articles or discussions about the damage done to the environment.
Ideally, you should go through all of these phrases one by one and check the meanings clearly.
Read the example sentences out loud.
You can look in a mirror as you read the phrases out loud to yourself.
This is a good way to practice!
Global Warming: Refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature, primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
Example: “The scientific community agrees that the rapid rise in global temperatures is a direct result of global warming.”
Greenhouse Effect: The natural process by which certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere trap heat from the sun, maintaining a stable temperature. However, human activities have enhanced this effect, leading to global warming.
Example: “Excessive emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide contribute to the intensification of the greenhouse effect.”
Climate Crisis: Describes the urgent and severe situation resulting from the consequences of climate change on a global scale.
Example: “Governments and organizations worldwide are joining forces to address the climate crisis and its impact on vulnerable communities.”
Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by an individual, organization, or product, measured in units of carbon dioxide.
Example: “Reducing our carbon footprint through sustainable practices is crucial to mitigate the effects of climate change.”
Extreme Weather Events: Refers to severe and unusual weather occurrences, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves, becoming more frequent due to climate change.
Example: “The increase in extreme weather events is a direct consequence of the changing climate.”
Climate Mitigation: Actions and strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to alleviate the impact of climate change.
Example: “Investing in renewable energy sources is a vital step in climate mitigation efforts to transition away from fossil fuels.”
Climate Adaptation: Initiatives and measures to adjust and prepare for the current and future impacts of climate change.
Example: “Coastal communities are implementing climate adaptation plans to protect against rising sea levels and storm surges.”
Carbon Neutral: Achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and removed from the atmosphere, resulting in no net increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Example: “Many companies are striving to become carbon neutral by offsetting their emissions through tree planting and renewable energy projects.”
Climate Resilience: The ability of ecosystems and societies to withstand and recover from the impacts of climate change.
Example: “Building climate-resilient infrastructure is essential in preparing communities for more frequent and intense weather events.”
Fossil Fuel Dependency: The heavy reliance on fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, for energy production and transportation, that contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Example: “Reducing fossil fuel dependency is essential to curb the escalation of global temperatures and combat climate change.”
Conversational Phrases For Environmental Discussions
Apart from phrases that are very specifically about environmental issues, there are also many other phrases that we can use when having conversations.
These phrases are often used when people talk about the environment.
I have provided two main lists below.
Let’s take a look right now.
Phrases For Expressing Concern And Urgency
“We can’t afford to wait any longer!”
Context: This phrase can be used when discussing the urgency of taking action to address environmental issues like deforestation or climate change.
“Time is running out; we must act swiftly!”
Context: When talking about the consequences of unchecked pollution or rising sea levels, this phrase emphasizes the need for immediate action.
“The situation is critical; we need to step up our efforts!”
Context: Expressing concern about the severity of an environmental problem, such as coral reef bleaching, and the need for stronger actions to combat it.
“The planet’s future hangs in the balance; it’s now or never!”
Context: Highlighting the gravity of climate change and its potential impact on future generations, urging for immediate measures to address it.
“Every second counts; we must make a difference!”
Context: This phrase can be used when discussing the importance of individual actions in reducing waste and minimizing the carbon footprint.
Expressing Opinions And Preferences About Eco-Friendly Practices
“I’m a strong advocate of sustainable living.”
Context: Expressing a personal belief in environmentally friendly practices such as recycling, using renewable energy, and reducing plastic waste.
“In my opinion, promoting green transportation is crucial for reducing emissions.”
Context: Sharing an opinion about the significance of eco-friendly transportation options, like electric vehicles or public transit, to combat air pollution.
“I firmly believe in supporting companies with strong environmental policies.”
Context: Expressing a preference for businesses that prioritize sustainability, eco-friendly production methods, and ethical sourcing.
“I’m all for reducing single-use plastics; it’s a small change that makes a big difference.”
Context: Expressing support for efforts to decrease the use of disposable plastics, such as straws and bags, to minimize plastic pollution.
“From my perspective, investing in renewable energy is the way forward.”
Context: Sharing a viewpoint on the importance of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
“Personally, I try to live a low-waste lifestyle to minimize my environmental impact.”
Context: Sharing a personal eco-friendly practice of reducing waste and adopting sustainable habits like composting and reusing items.
“I’m passionate about environmental conservation and preserving natural habitats.”
Context: Expressing enthusiasm for protecting wildlife and ecosystems, and advocating for conservation efforts.
“In my experience, eco-friendly alternatives can be just as effective and better for the planet.”
Context: Sharing personal experiences of using environmentally friendly products or methods that prove equally efficient and sustainable.
Words and Phrases For Recycling And Waste Reduction
Two very important things we can do to protect our environment are recycling and waste reduction.
And, of course, there are certain words and phrases to talk about this in detail.
I have written two lists below.
Check all of them thoroughly.
Read out loud!
The more you do this, the more easily you can learn to use these useful words and phrases.
Vocabulary Related To Recycling Materials
Plastic: A synthetic material made from polymers that is commonly used in packaging and consumer goods.
Context: “Many countries are implementing policies to reduce single-use plastic items like straws and bags to minimize plastic pollution.”
Glass: A transparent or translucent material made from melting sand, often used for containers and windows.
Context: “Don’t forget to recycle your glass bottles and jars; they can be reused multiple times.”
Paper: A material made from wood pulp used for writing, printing, and packaging.
Context: “Recycling paper saves trees and reduces the demand for new paper production.”
Metal: A durable material like aluminium or steel, often used in beverage cans and packaging.
Context: “Metal recycling helps conserve natural resources and reduces energy consumption during manufacturing.”
Cardboard: A stiff, thick paperboard often used for packaging boxes.
Context: “Flattening and recycling cardboard boxes is an easy way to contribute to waste reduction.”
E-waste: Electronic waste, such as old computers, phones, and appliances.
Context: “Properly recycling e-waste is essential to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the environment.”
Compost: Decayed organic matter that can be used as a natural fertilizer for plants.
Context: “Composting food scraps and yard waste reduces landfill waste and enriches the soil.”
Phrases To Encourage Waste Reduction
“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!”
Context: This popular slogan promotes waste reduction by encouraging people to minimize consumption, reuse items, and recycle materials whenever possible.
“Choose products with minimal packaging to reduce waste.”
Context: Encouraging consumers to opt for products with eco-friendly packaging or those that use less plastic or excess materials.
“Bring your own reusable bags and containers.”
Context: Promoting the use of reusable shopping bags and containers to reduce the need for single-use plastic bags and packaging.
“Think before you buy; do you really need it?”
Context: Encouraging thoughtful consumption and considering the necessity of a purchase before making it, to avoid unnecessary waste.
“Repair and refurbish items instead of discarding them.”
Context: Encouraging the repair and refurbishment of electronics, furniture, and other goods to extend their lifespan and reduce waste.
“Dispose of hazardous waste properly; it protects both people and the environment.”
Context: Emphasizing the importance of safely disposing of hazardous materials, such as batteries and chemicals, to prevent pollution.
“Support businesses and initiatives committed to sustainability.”
Context: Encouraging consumers to choose companies and products that prioritize eco-friendly practices and waste reduction.
“Organize community clean-ups to keep our environment clean.”
Context: Encouraging community involvement in picking up litter and waste to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Talking About Biodiversity And Conservation
Biodiversity and conservation are of utmost importance when trying to protect the environment of our world.
We don’t live alone on this planet. We live here with thousands of other animal species and plants.
It is their home too!
And as such, we need to conserve their living environments.
I have written two lists below of words and phrases you can use to talk about biodiversity and conservation more clearly.
Let’s take a good look now.
Vocabulary For The Loss Of Habitats
Endangered: Refers to a species that is at risk of extinction due to a low population size or threats to its natural habitat.
Context: “The giant panda is an endangered species, with only a few thousand individuals left in the wild.”
Habitat Loss: The destruction or fragmentation of natural environments, leading to a decline in species populations.
Context: “Habitat loss caused by deforestation is the main reason behind the decline of many tropical bird species.”
Biodiversity: The variety of different plant and animal species in a particular area or on Earth as a whole.
Context: “The rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot, housing an incredible array of plant and animal species.”
Conservation: The protection and preservation of natural resources, habitats, and wildlife.
Context: “National parks play a vital role in the conservation of endangered species and their ecosystems.”
Invasive Species: Non-native species that harm the environment, economy, or human health when introduced to a new area.
Context: “The rapid spread of the invasive plant species is threatening the native flora and fauna in the region.”
Ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment.
Context: “Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, providing habitat for countless marine species.”
Migratory: Refers to species that regularly move from one region to another during different seasons.
Context: “Migratory birds travel thousands of miles each year, relying on specific habitats along their routes.”
Phrases To Discuss The Importance Of Conservation Efforts
“Preserving biodiversity is crucial for our planet’s health.”
Context: Emphasizing that maintaining a variety of species and ecosystems is essential for ecological balance and human well-being.
“Conservation efforts help protect endangered species from extinction.”
Context: Stating the role of conservation initiatives in safeguarding vulnerable species from disappearing forever.
“Balancing human development with environmental conservation is key to a sustainable future.”
Context: Highlighting the importance of considering environmental protection in the face of urbanization and industrial growth.
“Conserving natural habitats ensures the survival of diverse plant and animal life.”
Context: Expressing the importance of preserving intact ecosystems to support a wide range of species.
“Biodiversity is a valuable resource for medicine, agriculture, and other human needs.”
Context: Recognizing the potential benefits humans can derive from diverse natural resources.
“By protecting wildlife, we maintain the delicate balance of ecosystems.”
Context: Explaining how conserving wildlife contributes to the health and stability of entire ecosystems.
“Engaging communities in conservation efforts fosters local stewardship of the environment.”
Context: Recognizing the significance of involving local communities in conservation initiatives to ensure long-term success.
“Conservation not only benefits nature but also enhances ecotourism and supports local economies.”
Context: Acknowledging that protecting natural habitats can have positive economic impacts, such as attracting tourists interested in eco-friendly experiences.
Sustainable Living Vocabulary
Sustainable living means to use the world’s resources with great consideration and care.
To think about future generations and how we can live a life to sustain the planet and all life on it.
Check below and see my two lists of words and expressions you can use to talk about this topic.
Words Related To Eco-Friendly Practices
Solar Power: Electricity generated from sunlight using solar panels or photovoltaic cells.
Context: “Installing solar panels on rooftops can harness clean and renewable solar power for homes and businesses.”
Composting: The process of decomposing organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, used to improve soil fertility.
Context: “Composting kitchen scraps and yard waste reduces landfill waste and provides natural fertilizer for gardens.”
Recyclable: Refers to materials that can be processed and used to make new products after being collected and sorted.
Context: “Plastic bottles labelled as recyclable can be reprocessed into new plastic items.”
Energy-Efficient: Describes appliances, buildings, or practices that consume less energy to perform their functions.
Context: “Using energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances helps reduce electricity consumption and lowers utility bills.”
Biodegradable: Materials that can naturally break down into harmless substances over time.
Context: “Choosing biodegradable cleaning products helps reduce environmental impact and water pollution.”
Renewable Energy: Energy derived from sources that can be naturally replenished, like solar, wind, and hydropower.
Context: “Investing in renewable energy technologies is essential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.”
Sustainable Agriculture: Farming practices that prioritize environmental conservation and long-term productivity.
Context: “Sustainable agriculture techniques, such as crop rotation and organic farming, promote soil health and biodiversity.”
Expressions For Discussing Sustainable Lifestyles
“I’m trying to reduce my carbon footprint.”
Context: Expressing personal efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, for example, by using public transportation or biking instead of driving.
“Living a zero-waste lifestyle is my goal.”
Context: Expressing the aim of producing minimal waste and actively seeking ways to reuse and recycle materials.
“I’m making conscious choices to support eco-friendly brands.”
Context: Referring to the preference for purchasing products from companies that prioritize sustainability and environmentally responsible practices.
“I’m minimizing my use of single-use plastics to help protect the oceans.”
Context: Describing actions taken to reduce plastic waste, such as using reusable water bottles and shopping bags.
“Practising mindful consumption helps me avoid unnecessary waste.”
Context: Referring to a lifestyle choice that involves thoughtful purchasing decisions and avoiding overconsumption.
“I’m exploring ways to incorporate renewable energy into my home.”
Context: Expressing interest in adopting solar panels or other renewable energy sources to power one’s residence.
“I’m participating in community clean-ups to contribute to local environmental efforts.”
Context: Mentioning involvement in activities like beach or park clean-ups to actively contribute to the well-being of the community and environment.
Environmental Discussions In Everyday Life
It is not enough to go over all the vocabulary above.
Yes, it’s great that you have tried to learn as many of the words and phrases in all the lists we have already covered.
But you need to be able to use these words and phrases in your everyday life.
- Can you have a conversation right now about the environment?
- Can you talk about environmental issues in detail?
Well, now you are going to try!
Below, I have outlined two exercises.
The first is a role play activity. In this, you will use the words and phrases we have already looked at above in a role play situation.
And in the second exercise, I have given you three simple dialogues of people talking about the environment.
Can you try both of these exercises?
It is a good idea to practice these with other friends or classmates.
Try now!
Role Play Exercises For Students To Practice Using Environmental Vocabulary
Role Play 1: Environmental Advocacy Meeting
Scenario: Two students are part of an environmental advocacy group. They are discussing strategies to raise awareness about plastic pollution in their community.
Student A: “Hello everyone, thank you for coming to today’s meeting. I think we should start by brainstorming ideas on how to tackle plastic pollution in our neighbourhood.”
Student B: “Absolutely! How about organizing a ‘Plastic-Free Week’ campaign, encouraging local businesses to reduce single-use plastic packaging?”
Student A: “That’s a great initiative! We could also collaborate with schools to conduct educational workshops about recycling and composting.”
Role Play 2: Sustainable Living Discussion
Scenario: Two students are roommates, and one of them is trying to convince the other to adopt more sustainable practices at home.
Student A: “Hey, I’ve been thinking about ways to reduce our environmental impact. What do you think about starting a compost bin in the backyard?”
Student B: “Hmm, I’m not sure. Isn’t that a lot of work?”
Student A: “Not really! It’s an easy way to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil for plants. Plus, it reduces the amount of waste we send to landfills.”
Sample Dialogues And Scenarios For Real-Life Situations
Dialogue 1: Grocery Shopping
Scenario: Two friends are shopping together at a grocery store, discussing eco-friendly choices.
Friend A: “I’m trying to reduce my plastic waste. Instead of using plastic bags, I brought my own reusable shopping bags. Do you have any?”
Friend B: “Oh, I don’t, but that’s a great idea. I’ll get some next time. And I’m also planning to buy fruits without plastic packaging.”
Dialogue 2: Public Transportation
Scenario: Two colleagues are discussing their daily commute to work and its environmental impact.
Colleague A: “I’ve been using public transportation to get to work. It’s more eco-friendly and saves money on gas.”
Colleague B: “That’s awesome! I usually drive alone, but I should consider taking the bus too. It’ll help reduce traffic congestion and emissions.”
Dialogue 3: Office Sustainability
Scenario: Two co-workers are chatting during lunch break about implementing sustainability practices at their workplace.
Co-worker A: “I noticed we go through a lot of paper at the office. I think we should start printing double-sided to save paper.”
Co-worker B: “Good point! We can also set up recycling bins around the office to encourage everyone to recycle paper, plastic, and cans.”
Now You Try!
Now you have read through all the vocabulary and phrases above, there are some things you need to do on your own.
Let me show you the steps to follow.
Step 1
Go through each section above and make a point of reading the words and phrases out loud.
It is not useful to you to just quietly read the new vocabulary to yourself while sitting down.
Stand up, keep your head up, and read the words and phrases out loud in a big confident voice.
It is even better if you do this while looking into a mirror.
Step 2
Go through each section above and try to make sentences of your own.
Try to use the words and phrases and write sentences in your own words that relate to your own life.
Then…
Read them out loud!
Step 3
Practice with your classmates and friends.
Go through each section and try to talk about the environment using the words and phrases that you find.
This may be hard to do, but the more practice you have at speaking out, the more you will improve.
Step 4
Find articles about the environment and read them.
These articles are easy to find. Just do a simple search on Google: articles about the environment for English learners.
As you read the articles, you will find much of the vocabulary we have looked at above.
This will help you remember these new words and phrases.
Continue practising like this and you will definitely see results!
Conclusion
And that is it!
I hope this guide has helped you in talking about the environment in English.
You can see that we have covered a lot of things. So you have to take your time to go over them again and again.
But try a little every day, and you will definitely see your ability to talk about the environment in English improve.
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