Level 1:
When we buy things, we can choose three types: old, new, or used. Old things are from a long time ago. They can be clothes or furniture. Buying old things can help the planet. New things are made now. We need new things sometimes, like for safety. Used things are things someone else used before. We can buy used clothes and books at a thrift store. This saves money and helps the planet. We can also use bags and containers many times to make less trash. We can make good choices to help our planet!
Level 2:
When making purchases, we have three options: old, new, or used. Old items are from long ago and can include clothing or furniture. Buying vintage goods can be sustainable and reduce environmental harm. New products are recently produced, and we may need them for safety. It is possible to support eco-friendly production and materials by choosing new brands with recycled materials or organic cotton. Used goods are pre-owned and can include clothing, books, and home items found at thrift stores. It saves money and the environment to purchase these items. Reusing bags and containers reduces waste as well. By choosing sustainable purchases, we can lead a greener life!
Full Story:
with making purchases, it can be tempting to always go for the newest, shiniest thing on the market. However, this approach can have negative consequences for both our wallets and the planet. That’s why the concept of “something old, something new, something used” has gained popularity in recent years. By balancing our purchases between these three categories, we can save money, reduce waste, and support a more sustainable lifestyle.
Something Old:
“Vintage” is the new buzzword in fashion and decor, and for good reason. Purchasing vintage or secondhand items not only saves money but also reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing new products. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), textile waste accounts for nearly 5% of all landfill space. By choosing to buy secondhand clothing and accessories, we can divert these items from the landfill and give them a new life. Additionally, purchasing vintage or antique furniture, art, and other home decor items can add character and charm to our living spaces while reducing our carbon footprint.
Something New:
While it’s important to reduce waste by purchasing used items, there are times when buying new is necessary. For example, certain safety items like car seats and helmets should always be purchased new to ensure they meet current safety standards. Additionally, supporting sustainable companies that prioritize eco-friendly materials and production processes can help drive positive change in the marketplace. When making new purchases, look for brands that use recycled materials, organic cotton, or other sustainable materials. By voting with our wallets, we can encourage companies to adopt more sustainable practices.
Something Used:
In addition to buying secondhand items, there are other ways to incorporate “something used” into our daily lives. For example, using reusable containers and bags instead of disposable ones can significantly reduce waste. Similarly, shopping at thrift stores or consignment shops for clothing, books, and household items is a great way to save money and reduce our impact on the environment. And with electronics, consider purchasing refurbished items rather than buying new. Refurbished products are often just as good as new and come with a lower price tag and reduced environmental impact.
Balancing our purchases between something old, something new, and something used can be a fun and creative way to live a more sustainable lifestyle. By supporting vintage and secondhand markets, choosing sustainable brands, and reducing waste through reusable containers and bags, we can save money and reduce our impact on the environment. So the next time you’re tempted to splurge on something new, consider how you can balance your purchases and support a more sustainable future.
Questions:
What are the three options we have when making purchases according to the article?
How can purchasing secondhand goods help the environment?
Is it always necessary to buy new products for safety?
What can we do to support eco-friendly production and materials?
Do you think it’s important for individuals to make sustainable purchases? Why or why not?
Fill In the Blanks:
production, vintage, secondhand, environmental, purchases, Environmental, Vintage, organic, sustainable, recycled
with making ________, it can be tempting to always go for the newest, shiniest thing on the market.
By balancing our purchases between these three categories, we can save money, reduce waste, and support a more ________ lifestyle.
Something Old:
”________” is the new buzzword in fashion and decor, and for good reason.
Purchasing ________ or ________ items not only saves money but also reduces the ________ impact of manufacturing new products.
According to the ________ Protection Agency (EPA), textile waste accounts for nearly 5% of all landfill space.
Additionally, supporting sustainable companies that prioritize eco-friendly materials and ________ processes can help drive positive change in the marketplace.
When making new purchases, look for brands that use ________ materials, ________ cotton, or other sustainable materials.
Difficult Words:
Purchases: Items or goods that are bought or acquired in exchange for money or other means of payment.
Options: Choices or alternatives that are available to someone for a particular situation or decision.
Vintage: Refers to something that is from a previous era or time period, typically associated with a style or design that was popular in the past.
Sustainable: A way of living or operating that can be maintained over time without depleting natural resources or causing harm to the environment.
Environmental: Relating to the natural world and the impact that human activities have on it, particularly with regard to pollution and conservation.
Production: The process of creating or manufacturing goods or services, typically involving a series of steps or stages.
Eco-friendly: Refers to products, services, or practices that are designed to have a minimal impact on the environment or reduce harm to the planet.
Recycled: Refers to materials that have been used before and have undergone a process of reprocessing or repurposing to be used again.
Organic: Refers to products or materials that are grown or produced without the use of synthetic chemicals or pesticides.
Secondhand: Refers to items that have been previously owned or used, often sold or donated for reuse or recycling.
