In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals are turning to alternative lifestyles that prioritize sustainability and simplicity. Two such lifestyles are sustainable living and minimalism. They both share some common threads: living more intentionally, reducing our environmental impact, and focusing on what truly matters.
1. Sustainable Living
Sustainable living is about making choices that are environmentally friendly in every aspect of one’s life. The primary goal is to minimize one’s ecological footprint, conserve natural resources, and reduce waste. It might sound abstract, but in fact, it is rather easy to practice sustainable living.
Photos: Adobestock 照片︰Adobestock
What we eat has a great impact on the environment. Small yet useful steps include adopting a plant-based diet and using locally sourced ingredients. Even something as simple as finishing the food on one’s plate makes a difference.
Clothing choices matter as well. While fast fashion offers affordable and trendy clothes, it comes at a high environmental cost due to excessive water use, chemical pollution, and exploitative labor practices. To live more sustainably, buy second-hand clothes, choose quality over quantity, and support brands that care about both people and the planet.
At home, we can reduce our impact by turning off unused lights, unplugging electronics that are not in use, and using energy-efficient appliances. In addition, repairing items instead of replacing them is also helpful. Transportation is another key area. Walking, biking, and using public transport are more eco-friendly than driving a vehicle by oneself. Choose these methods whenever possible.
Photos: Adobestock 照片︰Adobestock
All these are just some small actions that we can take to live sustainably. It’s impossible to be sustainable all the time, but small and consistent efforts add up.
在現今步調快速的世界，許多人轉而採取以永續和簡單為優先的替代生活方式。其中兩種就是永續生活與極簡主義。這兩種生活方式有一些共同點：更有意識地生活、減少對環境的影響，並專注於真正重要的事物。
1. 永續生活
永續生活指的是在生活的每個面向中做出對環境友善的選擇。主要目標是將個人的生態足跡減到最低、保護自然資源並減少浪費。這聽起來或許有些抽象，但其實實踐永續生活相當簡單。
我們吃的東西對環境有很大的影響。一些微小但實用的做法包括：採取植物性飲食及使用在地食材。即使是把盤中的食物吃完這類很簡單的做法也能有所幫助。
穿著方面的選擇也很重要。雖然快時尚提供平價又時髦的服飾，但它卻因為用水過多、化學汙染與剝削勞工的制度而在環境上產生了很高的代價。若想更永續地生活，可以購買二手衣物、重質而不重量，並支持關心人與地球的品牌。
在家中，我們可以透過關掉沒有使用的電燈、拔除沒在用的電器插頭，以及使用節能電器來減少環境影響。此外，修理東西而不是直接換新也很有幫助。交通也是另一個關鍵領域。步行、騎腳踏車與搭乘大眾運輸都比自己開車更環保。只要有機會就選擇這些方式吧。
所有這些都只是我們可以採取來實踐永續生活的一些小行動。要做到永遠都百分之百永續是不可能的，但只要我們持續地做出小小的努力，最終就能累積出改變。
Words in Use
1. prioritize vt. 優先考慮
The team always prioritizes safety when designing new products.
那個團隊在設計新產品時總是優先考量安全性。
2. sustainability n. 永續性
sustainable a. 永續的
Sustainability can help combat climate change.
永續可以幫助對抗氣候變遷。
The government is trying to find new sustainable resources to protect the environment.
為了保護環境，政府正試著找尋新的永續發展資源。
3. thread n. 主軸；思路
A common thread in Kelly’s novels is the theme of personal growth.
凱莉小說中一個共同的主軸是個人成長的主題。
4. minimize vt. 使降到最低
The medicine the doctor gave you should minimize your pain.
醫生給你的藥應該可以將你的疼痛降至最低。
5. conserve vt. 保護∕節約（資源、能源等）
Scientists are trying to find new ways to conserve energy.
科學家正設法尋找節約能源的新方法。
Practical Phrases
1. turn to N/V-ing 轉而（做）……
Many people turned to technology during the pandemic to stay connected.
在疫情期間，許多人轉而依賴科技來保持聯繫。
2. make a difference 使情況有所不同∕改善
Having someone to share her problems with really made a huge difference in Mandy’s teen years.
有人能夠分享她的煩惱，這點著實對曼蒂的青少年時期大有幫助。
3. whenever possible 只要有可能，盡可能，隨時
In order to reduce traffic, people are encouraged to use public transportation whenever possible.
為了減少車流，民眾被鼓勵盡量使用大眾運輸系統。
4. add up 積少成多
Tony has to feed a family of eight. No wonder the bills add up so quickly.
湯尼要養活一家八口。難怪開支很快就多了起來。
To be continued tomorrow（明日待續）
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本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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