I. Explain the meaning of the following:

1) bottlebank 4) smog

2) fall-out 5) under the auspices

3) Pollution Control Act 6) to be subject to stringent control

II. Answer the following questions:

1) What are the major environmental problems confronting Britain today?

2) What powers and duties for control authorities are set out by the Control of Pollution Act 1974?

3) What measures are taken to fight land pollution?

4) What are the main treatment methods applied to reduce water pollution?

5) What facts prove that a certain progress has been made towards cleaner air?

6) What operational measures have been introduced to reduce noise disturbance?

7) What operational measures have been introduced to store radioactive wastes?

8) Why do you think people should be concerned about protecting environment arid the' destruction of natural resources?

Work in pairs

How green are you?

Read the interview with John Baines, an educational consultant who writes books about environment. He talks about how he tries to be “green”, that is to be friendly to the environment. After reading put the tick (√)next to the things in the pictures that he talks about.

Interview

I = Interviewer

J =John Baines

I: John, I know that you’re interested in all things to do the environment and the need to protect it…

J: Right.

I: Can you tell me some of the things you’ve changed in your lifestyle to become a “green” person?

J: Oh, yes. I could think of one or two things that I’ve tried to do over the last couple of years. I think it’s a couple of years since I got my bicycle out of the garage and repaired it, and now I use it as much as possible. I use my car less. I try to do 10 per cent fewer miles every year, so last year I drove 11 000 miles and this year I’m going to try to do only 10 000.

I: So does this mean that you travel less?

J: This doesn’t mean I travel less, this means I walk more often. When I do my shopping, I always walk now. I use public transport when I can, usually going by train.

I: I’m sure your car runs on unleaded petrol.

J: Yes, it does. It’s cheaper, and it keeps the air cleaner.

I: So, that’s transport. What about the home? What’s different in the kitchen?

J: Well, I save as much as I can. I don’t throw it away. I have different bags for different things. One bag has all the cans going into it, from the cat food to the beer. The second bag has all the bags going into it, and the third bag has bottles, from er… olive oil bottles to wine or lemonade bottles. But the milk bottles still go on the doorstep so that they can be re-used.

I: And what do you do with these bags?

J: I take them to places where they can be recycled. There’s a place in the village where you can take them.

I: And have you changed any of the things you buy?

J: Yes, I get washing-up liquid and washing powder that doesn’t harm the environment…

I: But does it get your clothes as white?

J: I don’t think my washing was ever… very white, actually. No, it’s fine.

I: We were talking about food. I know you’ve become a vegetarian. Is this part of being “green», or something totally different?

J: Hm, … yes and no. Looking after animals, I think, is as important as looking after the environment. I mean, they’re part of it. So I prefer not to kill animals to eat them. Animals eat food that people could eat. But if people want to eat meat, that’s their decision.

I: Mm, I think it’s true that people all over the world are becoming more aware of the need to look after the planet. If we don’t look after it, what will happen…do you think?

J: If we don’t become more friendly to the environment, then the environment will make it more difficult for us, so that our life will not be as comfortable. I think we’ll survive…