Continued from yesterday（延續自昨日）
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang
2. Minimalism
Photos: Adobestock I 照片︰Adobestock
While sustainable living focuses on reducing our environmental impact through daily habits, minimalism takes it a step further—it involves both our physical surroundings and our mindset. It’s about letting go of the excess to make space for what we truly need, so we’re not constantly chasing the next purchase or feeling overwhelmed by all the objects in our lives.
So, how can we begin? Start by being more mindful of what we allow into our lives. Ask yourself: Does this item serve a purpose? Does it make me happy? Minimalism is about clearing out the things we don’t need, whether it’s impulse buys, unused subscriptions or even time-draining commitments. Letting them go creates space for clarity, creativity and peace of mind.
Minimalism looks different for everyone. For some, it means gradually decluttering their home. For others, it’s about shopping less, buying things that truly serve a purpose, or simplifying their schedule. It can also involve cutting down on digital distractions or reevaluating how we spend our time and energy.
From a practical point of view, minimalism often goes hand in hand with sustainability. When we buy less and keep things longer, we naturally reduce waste and help the planet. In the end, minimalism isn’t about having less. It’s about making room for more of what truly matters.
2. 極簡主義
永續生活著重於透過日常習慣來減少我們對環境的影響，而極簡主義則更進一步——它不僅關乎我們的生活環境，也關乎我們的心態。極簡的核心是捨棄過多的東西，為我們真正需要的事物騰出空間，因此我們就不需要不停追逐下一次購物，或被生活中滿滿的物品壓得喘不過氣。
那麼，我們該如何開始呢？可以從更有意識地看待我們帶進自己生活的事物開始。問問自己：這個東西有實際用途嗎？它會讓我感到快樂嗎？極簡主義就是要清除那些我們不需要的東西，無論是衝動購物、用不到的訂閱服務，或甚至是會耗費我們時間的承諾。放下這些，才能為清晰的思緒、創造力和內心的平靜騰出空間。
極簡的樣貌對每個人來說都不太一樣。對某些人而言，它代表著逐步整理家中的雜物。對另一些人來說，極簡是減少購物、只購買真正有用的東西，或是簡化自己的行程安排。它也可能包括減少數位干擾，或重新檢視我們如何分配時間與精力。
從實際的角度來看，極簡主義往往與永續性相輔相成。當我們買得少並將物品用得久，自然就減少了浪費，也對地球有益。最終，極簡主義的核心並不是擁有得少。它是為真正重要的事物騰出空間。
What did you learn?
1-2 請從兩天的文章中各選出一個單詞（word），分別填入下列兩句的空格，並視句型結構需要作適當的字形變化，使句子語意完整、語法正確，且符合全文文意。每格限填一個單詞（word）。（填充）
Living sustainably can easily be done by starting with small actions. For example, __1._ broken appliances instead of buying new ones. Meanwhile, the first step to practice minimalism is to evaluate what truly adds value to your life and then __2.__ your house.
答案: 1. repairing 2. decluttering
3. From (A) to (F) below, choose ALL that are true for both sustainable living and minimalism.（多選題）
(A) Reducing unnecessary consumption and waste.
(B) Prioritizing convenience over conscious choices.
(C) Being effective only when practiced on a large scale.
(D) Emphasizing the freedom to buy whatever one wants.
(E) Living intentionally and focusing on what truly matters.
(F) Focusing on material possessions to increase personal happiness.
答案: A、E
4. Which phrase in the Day 2 passage means “things that you purchase suddenly and without much thought or thinking it through”?（簡答）
答案: impulse buys
Words in Use
1. mindset n. 心態
Holly’s positive mindset helped her overcome many challenges.
荷莉正向的心態幫助她克服了許多挑戰。
2. overwhelmed a. 深感壓力的
These students feel overwhelmed by the huge amount of homework they have.
這些學生因他們所擁有的大量作業而苦不堪言。
3. mindful a. 留心的，注意的
be mindful of... 注意∕留意……
The Internet celebrity is extremely mindful of the traffic on her social media page.
這位網紅非常注意她的社群網頁流量。
4. impulse n. 一時的衝動
an impulse buy / purchase 衝動購買的東西
To save money, try to avoid impulse buys by making a shopping list.
為了省錢，試著列購物清單以避免衝動購物。
5. subscription n. 訂閱
This special gift is exclusive to customers who pay for a two-year subscription to our magazine.
一次訂閱本雜誌兩年期的讀者可獨享這個特別好禮。
Practical Phrases
1. take. . . a / one step further
使……更進一步∕更上層樓
I’d like to take my education a step further and get a PhD.
我想讓自己的教育程度更上層樓，拿個博士學位。
2. let go of. . . 放掉∕放棄……
Should I let go of the idea of moving abroad?
我該不該放棄移居國外的念頭？
3. clear out. . . / clear... out 清掉……
I spent the whole weekend clearing out stuff I no longer use.
我整個週末都在清掉我不會再用到的東西。
4. cut down on... 減少……
You should try to cut down on the amount of time you spend on the Internet.
你應設法減少你上網的時間。
5. from a(n) + Adj. + point of view
從……的角度∕觀點來看
From a medical point of view, you don’t need an operation.
從醫學的觀點來看，你不需要動手術。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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