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The journey of our “stuff” begins long before it arrives in our homes. The final product is a result of many processes: harvesting, processing, dyeing, building, mixing, printing, shipping, etc. At every step of the way is the potential for environmental degradation, pollution, human rights issues, health risks, and more.

If every human consumed the resources of an average American, the Earth would only be able to sustain 1.4 billion people. As disheartening as this may seem, we are major contributors to the problem, we are both responsible for and capable of generating a solution.

Of course, the most effective way to reduce waste, environmental destruction and pollution (not to mention, save money!) is to simply buy less. Even the most sustainable, locally sourced, fair trade item loses out when faced with the alternative of not buying anything at all. Although we are grateful for the opportunity to purchase these more ethical products at a time of need, the reality is that if we don’t need it, we shouldn’t buy it at all.

Technology has made it easier and faster to the consumer. However, it has also given us the responsibility of using our access to information to make more thoughtful choices. Realistically, the purchase of a single sustainable product won’t make much of a dent in the overall scheme of the world’s material consumption. However, the importance of the act is undeniable.

We must be conscious that every decision we make has an effect on the health of our ecosystems and ourselves. By voting for quality over quantity, by acting as informed consumers and demanding smarter products, we are all advocates for a sustainable tomorrow. And in this, we will find a greater connection to ourselves, our communities, and the things we call our own.


1) Mark the correct answer.


1. Which of the following is the most accurate re-wording of the sentence “If every human consumed the resources of an average American, the Earth would only be able to sustain 1.4 billion people”?

a) If each of us consumed like a common American, the total population of the Earth would be no more than 1.4 billion people.

b) If everybody continues to consume like Americans, the maximum capacity of the Earth will be 1.4 billion people.

c) If everybody decided to consume like Americans, 1.4 billion people would take up the entire Earth.

d) If everybody consumed like Americans typically consume, the Earth would be home to no more than 1.4 billion people.



2. According to the author, what best promotes sustainable development?

a) abstaining from purchases

b) buying more ethical products

c) fair trade

d) buying products of higher quality



3. The author expresses regret that people

a) are the main cause of environmental problems

b) consume most of the Earth’s resources

c) refuse to take responsibility for their actions

d) are unable to provide solutions




4. In this text, the word “advocates” means:

a) lawyers

b) consumers

c) proponents

d) accomplices





5. One of the author’s ideas in the third passage is that

a) people should buy less to save money

b) people should buy ethical products at every opportunity

c) people should buy only fair-trade items

d) people should buy products only when they need them

Ответ:




2) Mark the following statements as TRUE or FALSE.



6.As a rule, production results in environmental degradation, pollution, human rights issues, health risks, and more.
a) TRUE
b) FALSE
Ответ:




7. In order to take care of our future we need to use technology.

a) TRUE
b) FALSE
Ответ:



8. Buying one sustainable product makes a difference.

a) TRUE
b) FALSE
Ответ:


9. Scarce information on products has made us more conscious consumers.

a) TRUE
b) FALSE
Ответ:


10. Technology makes the products more available but also gives people an opportunity to buy smarter.

a) TRUE
b) FALSE
Ответ: