B) Read about the above symbols and explain their meanings. ‘> The firsts the symbol of the 3Rs concept. 3Rs stands for Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The European Union has developed this policy to tackle environmental problems caused by waste. Tis symbol means that the item i ether recyclable or has some recycled content. Reduce: Reducing the amount of waste by increasing the efficiency of resource use and extending the useful life of products. Reuse: Using the “recyclable resources" from used items again, as products or parts, after giving them proper ‘treatment. (Recyclable resources” are the useful parts or components of waste, used products and by-products) Recycle: Using the “recyclable resources” as the raw materials to make new products. The second symbol s the so-called Ecolabel. Products and services awarded it cary the flower logo, allowing consumers — including public and private purchasers Ito identify them easily. Today the EU Ecolabel covers a wide range of products and services. While the logo may be simple, the environmental criteria behind it are tough, and only the very best products, which are kindest tothe environment, are entitled to carry the EU Ecolabel.Ecolabel titeria are not based on one single factor, but on studies which analyse the impact ofthe product or service on the environment throughoutits lifecycle, starting from raw material extraction in the pre-production stage, through to production, distribution and disposal. You are going to listen to an extract from an interview with an environmental expert talking about Pollution and recycling. As you listen, finish the sentences with a maximum of 10 words. 1) Apart from waste and population explosion, Bs saa ee = a so sau also Contribute to the increase in pollution, 2) What makes matters worse is that WE IVE sven v» Which means we waste more than necessary. 3) Rubbish buried underground emits 4) The greenhouse effects accelerated by 5) Acid rain is caused = 6) The problem with nuclear waste i that enw 7) Recycling means . a 8) Compared to paper and wood, most plastic. 9) Paper can be recycled to make (atleast 3 items). 10) people want to help, the best thing they can dois to.| | Bi Alternative Energy UNIT 11 Alternative Energy | Neat J nets answer the ftlowing question. 1) What energy resources do you use at home? 2) Do you know what fossil fuels are? What do we use them for? 3) What effects do fossil fuels have on the environment? 4) What energy resources can you see in the photos? You are going to read an article about renewable energy. Some parts of the text are missing. You can find t answers below the text. Match them to the missing parts. There are more possible missing parts given than nk Most of the world’s energy needs are fulfilled by fossil fuels The Earth actually has a huge supply of alternative M including gasoline and coal. It cannot be denied: however, which 3 is environmentally friendly that their supply 1 = « their prices have renewable. Renewable energy resources are also referred 0 ‘gone up and they have been found to cause damage to as clean” energy. They have a low impact on the environ the environment. They are responsible for much of the especialy since they 4 Renewable me 2 world’s electric power and total energy demands. Since that it can be easly replenished in a short span of time. 1900, the world’s consumption of fossil fuels has nearly because sources ofthis type of energy are in abundant sup 3) doubled every 20 years. Fossil fuels comprise mainly of coal, and are foreseen not to experience any shortage in the 4 oll and gas. The negative effects of the use of fossil fuels While renewable energy was a bit expensive o use inthe p 2 wwens 0 Mother Earth and mankind. it is considered to be more affordable now. Some dr Pollution, mainly from the burning of fuels, has long been though include their remote location, high cost of build Pointed to as a major cause of the Earth’ deterioration and powerlines and less constant availablity, especially those t ‘man's health problems, notably those related to respiratory _are dependent on the weather conditions, suchas solarand) illnesses. Additionally, world prices offuelare going up, forcing energy. Today, there are a number of alternative energy fo man to search for alternative sources of energy. that ae clean to use and 5. ‘tonnature at veo 22Alternative Energy Solar energy lar energy has many uses including generating electricity d heat for homes and buildings. Solar energy is clean 6 therefore not harmful to the ironment. Unlike fossil fuels, it does not produce waste lucts and will last for a very long time as long as the sun inues to shine. The major disadvantage of solar energy is initial cost of solar cells and installation. The weather can the efficiency of solar cells id dis one ofthe best sources of energy andit’s free. The power winds 7. -»~- While itis dependent on the ther and location, wind energy is very helpfl ina lot of ways, ally in generating electricity through the use of windmills. Wwind-powered turbines to reach optimum efficiency, the needs tobe t over ten mph forlong periods of time. Areas low wind -speed are not suitable for maximum gain, thermal energy ‘ype of energy comes from the Earth’s core where aturesare high and constantallyearround.Itisideally used heating systems. It produces litte emissions, releasing A) itutilizes the potential energy 8) donotemit hazardous greenhouse gases ©) areavalable for free Isnolonger ina stable state ‘cause very litle or no harmful effects does not cause pollution itis limited in ts availability tobe one ofthe causes of something the act or process of becoming worse touseup does not change only water vapour into the air 8... asa natural resource since available sites only cover one-fourth ofthe total, ‘energy needed worldwide. tis possible that geothermic fields ‘may deplete over time. Dring for new sitesi very expensive. Hydroelectric energy Water is one of Earth’ richest resource. It not only helps in ‘the growth of humans, plants and animals but it also helps generate electricity. 9 existing in the water. Basically, this comes from the damming of rivers. Hydroelectric power production requires floding of entire valleys and scenic areas. It dsrupts natural seasonal changes in rivers, and ecosystems can be destroyed. Biofuel Its main ingredients are ethanol from plant materials. Ethanol and biodiesel emit less pollution than traditional petroleum-based gasoline and diesel fuels. They also 10 Jobal warming. Today, its main use is in the transportation industry as an alternative gasoline to run, vehicles. A major problem for widespread adoption of biofuels {s the challenge of growing enough crops to meet demand, ‘Source: www.alternativeenergysecret.com H) do not Gone to 1) canbe used free of charge J) aretaking its toll K) tis not widely and easily available never harmful to the environment MM) is enough fora long time far away ‘more than enough to build a dam across a river tomake an artificial lake you have the money fort using energy, food or materials Read the article again and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels and some alternative energy resources. 2 Which type of alternative energy do you think has the highest potential for the future? Why? > Doyou think alternative energy resources can completely substitute fossil fuels in the future?