Lesson 4 green technology
Task 1. How do you understand the words ‘green technology’?
Task 2. Explain the meaning of the following words and word combinations. Consult the dictionary where necessary.
recycling
organic ice-cream
reusable
to maximise
waste
drought resistant plants
eco-friendly
Task 3. Read the text.
Green day
The BBC Leicester Open Centre turned 'green' when it held an environmental conservation day to show people how to care for the environment in simple, fun and practical ways.
It was Environment Day at the BBC Leicester Open Centre on Tuesday 01 August. There was environmentally friendly advice, workshops and even free organic ice-cream! Stuart Brown, a Waste Management Technician, was available to tell people about Leicestershire County Council's recycling initiatives. They are trying to reduce the amount of waste people generate and maximise recycling.
Their schemes include providing free reusable nappies, reusable bags and subsidised composting bins to make it easier for people to do their bit. But how about reusing some of your rubbish instead? With a bit of imagination you could turn it into something new, like a basket or even rope. Clare Bull, a Recycling Community artist, ran a rope-making workshop to show what you can do with all those leftover plastic carrier bags.
Clare's work began with an interest in the aesthetics of using rubbish in artwork. However she soon realised that she was more interested in showing other people the environmental impact of their waste, rather than making art for art's sake.
Eco-house volunteer, Claire Burwell, was also in the Open Centre to give ideas on how to make your home more eco-friendly. The Eco-house encourages people to take away one idea from their visit to use in their own home, such as switching off taps when brushing teeth.
Severn Trent's Water Conservation Manager, Doug Clarke, ran an advice drop-in for people interested in saving water for financial as well as environmental reasons. According to Doug, people in the East Midlands are fortunate because the reservoirs are still full. But if we don't use water wisely, they will soon empty. He says "everybody can play their part, saving a little bit adds up to saving a lot".
Ady Dayman, from the Down to Earth gardening team, was at hand with information on drought resistant plants and tips on how to look after your garden in hot weather. He suggested using Mediterranean plants and water butts to get through the summer months.
Task 4. Find information in the text where it is said about:
recycling rubbish
saving water
Task 5. In your opinion, are these measures effective? To what extent? Can they be applied in our country and all over the world?
Task 6. Think of some more ways to reduce harmful effects on the environment. Write a composition expressing your ideas of saving the environment.
Task 7.Watch the video “Green Technology” and answer the questions.
What Eco solutions are presented in the program? Are they effective?
What are the reasons why we should recycle? What are the benefits of recycling?