Pre-reading questions:
- Do you use environmentally friendly products? Why or why not?
- What are some of the materials that could be used for packaging purposes?
Vocabulary:
- environmentally friendly /uhn-vai-ruh-MEN-tuh-lee FREND-lee/
- harmful /HAHRM-fuhl/
- chemical /KEM-i-kuhl/
- consumer /kuhn-SOO-mer/
- crucial /KROO-shuhl/
[adjective phrase] – not harmful to the environment, or trying to help the environment:
My sister always uses an environmentally friendly water bottle to reduce plastic waste.
[adjective] – causing harm
It’s important to read the labels on cleaning products to make sure they don’t contain any harmful chemicals.
[noun] – any basic substance that is used in or produced by a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules
Scientists use chemicals to conduct experiments and make new discoveries.
[noun] – a person who buys goods or services for their own use
As a consumer, it’s important to read product reviews before making a purchase.
[adjective] – extremely important or necessary
Studying for your exams is crucial if you want to do well in school.
Article reading:
Glass, an ancient material, is often considered more environmentally friendly because it can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality. It’s also free of harmful chemicals and can be repurposed in various ways. Nonetheless, it is heavier and more fragile than plastic, requiring more energy to transport and risking wasted resources. On the other hand, plastic is lighter and more durable than glass, making it easier to transport and less likely to break. However, it is not as environmentally friendly as glass, as it can take hundreds of years to decompose, polluting landfills and oceans and harming wildlife and ecosystems. Moreover, many plastic products contain harmful chemicals that can seep into the environment. Ultimately, the choice between glass and plastic packaging relies on a variety of factors, such as the distance the product needs to travel, the product itself, and recycling facilities’ availability. As consumers, we can play a crucial role in protecting the environment by selecting products with environmentally friendly packaging.
In conclusion, it is essential to consider the environmental impact of our choices, including the type of packaging we use.
Comprehension questions
- What is the most common choice we face when it comes to packaging?
- Which material is often considered more environmentally friendly: glass or plastic?
- What are some advantages of using glass packaging?
- What are some advantages of using plastic packaging?
- What role can consumers play in protecting the environment?
Discussion questions
- How familiar are you with glass and plastic packaging? Do you prefer one over the other? Could you tell me about it?
- How important is it for you to choose environmentally friendly packaging when shopping?
- Do you agree that choosing environmentally friendly packaging can make a difference in creating a healthier planet for future generations?
- What do you think are some ways we can encourage others to make environmentally friendly choices when it comes to packaging?
- What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of glass packaging compared to plastic packaging?