TASK 1 ⇱
Earth Hour is a global event organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Held every year, it encourages people and businesses to turn off their lights and other unnecessary electrical devices for one hour from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the last Saturday of March.
Earth Hour was started as a lights-out event in Sydney, Australia, in 2007. Since then, it has grown to become an international movement for the environment, happening in more than 7,000 cities and towns across 187 countries and territories.
Earth Hour has created a positive environmental impact. It shows the public support for protecting the environment and saving the planet. It also draws attention to climate change and global energy issues, and promotes green activities worldwide.
Viet Nam joined the event in 2009 and has been an active and keen supporter since then. Besides switching off lights, people can take part in a number of activities to raise awareness of environmental problems and call for action for climate, people and nature.
TASK 2 ⇱
Green living refers to lifestyle choices that reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources. It encourages practices that are environmentally sustainable and promote conservation. Many people adopt green living principles to minimize their carbon footprint, protect the environment, and promote a healthier planet.
Simple actions can make a significant impact. For example, using energy-efficient appliances, recycling, and reducing water waste can contribute to a greener lifestyle. Additionally, choosing public transportation, biking, or walking instead of driving can decrease air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Moreover, supporting local and organic products can lessen the environmental impact caused by transportation and harmful farming practices. Green living also involves being mindful of one's consumption habits—purchasing only what is necessary and opting for products with minimal packaging.
Educating oneself and others about the benefits of green living can inspire communities to adopt similar practices. By making small, sustainable changes, individuals can contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.
TASK 3 ⇱
There are many ways to reduce the waste we produce daily. First, instead of throwing away plastic items, such as plastic bags and bottles after a single use, we can reuse them. Even better, we can switch to reusable options, such as canvas or cloth bags, to avoid the need for plastic bags at checkout counters. Another effective alternative is replacing plastic containers with refillable glass jars and metal bottles.
When we’re on the go, it’s easy to rely heavily on plastics for convenience. However, reusing lunchboxes and cutlery whenever possible can reduce plastic waste significantly. For example, instead of taking disposable cups, we can bring our own reusable coffee cups. We can also choose straws made of metal or bamboo rather than plastic ones, which helps cut down on single-use plastics.
At home, recycling and reusing personal products can make a big difference. Simple actions, like recycling packaging and repurposing plastic items, reduce waste and encourage sustainable habits. When possible, try to choose items that can be used multiple times, extending their life and reducing the need for disposable alternatives.
Finally, if time permits, creating homemade products from waste materials can be a rewarding and eco-friendly activity. For instance, used cooking oil can be turned into homemade soap, giving a second life to something that might otherwise be discarded. Developing these habits can be both fun and educational and offers a positive impact on the environment. Making small adjustments in our daily routines can add up to significant environmental benefits over time.