Shadowing Practice: 10 Small Ways to Give Back to Earth - Learn English Speaking with Video
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Hey everyone, and welcome to TopThink.
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Today, we're going to learn about 10 small ways to give back to Earth.
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Now let's begin.
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We only have one planet.
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It's a daunting thought, isn't it?
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But this harsh reality can inspire, in a way.
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Having one planet means it's precious, deserving of our respect, our gratitude, and, most importantly, our time and loving care.
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The earth gives us life through water, food, oxygen, and shelter.
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What should we give the earth in return?
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Small, intentional choices can ripple outward in powerful ways, shaping not just your own habits but the world around you.
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Giving back to the earth doesn't require a complete lifestyle overhaul.
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We just need to start holding ourselves to a new standard.
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It starts with awareness, dedication, and a willingness from all of us to do a little better each day.
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So without further ado, here are 10 small ways to give back to the Earth.
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1. Shop Secondhand Consumerism causes up to 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 50 to 80% of total land,
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material, and water use.
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Our shopping addiction from the manufacturing process to the transportation of goods causes carbon emissions, environmental pollution, and material waste.
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We can help offset the damage by shopping more sustainably.
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We can start by exploring thrift stores,
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consignment shops, or online resale platforms to find unique pieces without the environmental cost of new production.
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When it comes to furniture, check out local listings, estate sales, or vintage shops to give well-made items a second life.
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Even electronics can be purchased refurbished, offering reliable performance while keeping valuable materials out of landfills.
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And there's no shame in saving a little money, too.
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2. Mend and Repair Another way to cut back on consumerism is to buy fewer new items in general.
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Instead, we can be a little more creative with what we have.
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clamp down the instinct to immediately discard an item once it's worn or broken.
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We can take after our ancestors and learn to mend and repair items, which might mean taking a little time to educate oneself on how to do it.
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You don't have to become an expert, either.
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Just learn a few simple sewing techniques to fix small tears, replace buttons, or hem clothing instead of tossing them out.
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For household items, consider repairing a wobbly chair, gluing broken ceramics, or troubleshooting minor appliance issues with online tutorials.
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Even taking shoes to a cobbler or getting a cracked phone screen replaced can extend the life of what you already own.
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3. Ditch single-use plastics Many businesses and cities in the United States have begun banning certain single-use plastics,
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such as plastic shopping bags.
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And not without rationale, these plastics take ages to degrade.
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Roughly 11 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year, harming wildlife and polluting our water.
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And microplastics, those of the small leftover bits from plastic products, have even been found in human brain tissue.
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Fortunately, choices regarding plastic use can add up quickly, Here are some simple ways to reduce plastic consumption.
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Cook more often, avoid takeout, and store your leftovers in glass containers.
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Bring a reusable bag or two when shopping and opt for bigger packages of products rather than small, individually packaged servings so less ends up in the recycling bin.
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Buy reusable cutlery for when you're eating on the go.
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And don't be afraid to let your favorite companies know your preferences.
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write letters, and post on social media about sustainable packaging.
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4. Revamp Your Commute In the United States alone,
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transportation accounts for close to 30% of greenhouse gas emissions thanks to the burning of fossil fuels.
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While not all of this is preventable, we can do our part by making smart, significant choices about how we get where we're going each day.
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Even small shifts in routine can add up over time, especially when practiced consistently.
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Rethinking commutes is not just good for the planet.
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It can also improve health and reduce daily stress.
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Think less time sitting behind the wheel, more time walking, biking, or reading while someone else drives.
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Whenever possible, we can choose to walk or bike for shorter trips, turning commutes into an opportunity for movement and fresh air.
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Public transportation is another great option, helping to reduce the number of individual cars on the road and lowering overall emissions.
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If driving is absolutely necessary for life, then keep your vehicle well-maintained.
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Opt for an eco-friendly car, if you can afford it, and combine errands into one trip.
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Or consider carpooling to make the commute more efficient.
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5. Scale back your meat consumption Opting to go vegan or vegetarian isn't just about being kind to animals,
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though that's certainly an admirable reason to make the switch.
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Meat consumption has a major environmental impact, contributing to deforestation, water use, and a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions.
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While going fully meat-free might not fit into your lifestyle, decentering meat from your daily diet is still a great way to make a tiny bit of environmental impact.
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There are some healthy meat alternatives to keep your diet delicious, nutritious, and packed with protein.
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Try incorporating plant-based proteins like lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and tofu into your meals for a satisfying and nutrient-rich alternative.
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You can also explore options like tempeh and quinoa.
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Even swapping just a few meals a week can make a meaningful difference while keeping your diet balanced and enjoyable.
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6. Nurture Native Species Many of us live in urban or suburban dreamscapes, surrounded by huge swaths of grass.
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But many of these grasses aren't native to the region that they're in.
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Whenever possible, consider nurturing species of plants that are native to your region.
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They often thrive more naturally and usually need far less water, fertilizer, and pesticides once established.
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If you have outdoor space, start by planting native flowers shrubs, or grasses that naturally thrive in your region and support local pollinators.
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Even a small balcony or windowsill can host native plants and containers, creating a mini-ecosystem in limited space.
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If you don't have access at home, then consider volunteering at or renting a plot in a community garden to help cultivate native greenery.
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7. Be mindful of your power consumption When you think about humanity's impact on the Earth, what comes to mind?
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You might picture those billions of specks of light visible from outer space, showing how we are all connected,
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but also demonstrating just how many of us are using electricity as if it were free and infinite.
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Going fully off the grid is not a reasonable option for the vast majority of us,
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but you can make a few small adjustments to your routine to save a little power and give Mother earth a gift.
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Unplug electronics when they're not in use, as many devices continue to draw power even when you don't realize it.
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Switch to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy, and last much longer than traditional options.
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Washing clothes in cold water reduces the energy needed to heat water, and you can also lower your thermostat slightly,
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air dry laundry, or use power strips to easily shut off multiple devices at once.
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8. Clean Up Your Community
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One of the best
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and easiest tiny ways to give back to the Earth is to simply leave it a little better than you found it.
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Clean up!
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Picking garbage or other waste up whenever you see it can help reduce contamination of the land and water.
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Make it a habit to pick up litter when you see it, whether you're at the park, walking down your street, or visiting a local beach or trail.
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Be mindful about recycling by learning your area's guidelines so items are sorted and processed correctly.
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For hazardous or medical waste, take the extra step to dispose of it properly at designated facilities to prevent harm to people, wildlife, and the environment.
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9. Conserve Water The little drips of water that get wasted here
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and there can really start to add up if you're not careful.
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Fortunately, if you're just even a little bit mindful of your water consumption, you can start to make a difference for the planet.
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Did you know that even one dripping faucet can waste thousands of gallons per year?
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It sounds hard to believe, but it's true.
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So make a point to save water whenever you can.
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Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes to prevent unnecessary water waste throughout the day.
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Opt for shorter showers and consider installing low-flow showerheads to reduce usage without sacrificing comfort.
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Pay attention to outdoor habits, too, like skipping lawn watering after rainfall.
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10. Eat Locally and Seasonally Our food industry impacts the earth in a variety of ways.
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Transportation of food items releases harmful pollutants into the environment, refrigeration can use up valuable resources.
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Out-of-season plants often require extra chemicals in order to thrive.
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By opting to eat locally and seasonally, you reduce your footprint and you support local businesses in the process.
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Visit local grocery stores that highlight regional produce
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or seek out farmers markets where you can buy directly from growers in your area.
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Turn it into an experience by spending a morning browsing stalls, sampling fresh foods, and connecting with the people who produce what you eat.
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You can also join a community-supported agriculture program or plan meals around what's in season.
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Through these intentional choices, caring for the earth can be woven into everyday life, one thoughtful choice at a time.
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Thank you.
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Vocabulario y notas de pronunciación para esta lección
Esta lección de conversación de nivel B2 se basa en el vídeo “10 Small Ways to Give Back to Earth”. Las palabras que más se repiten: earth, plastic, item, reduce, native. Este vídeo tiene 105 frases y 1595 palabras para practicar shadowing. La parte hablada dura 10:52. El hablante mantiene un ritmo constante de unas 147 palabras por minuto, cómodo para el shadowing. Solo el 78 % de las palabras está entre las 3.000 más comunes del inglés, por lo que el vocabulario es exigente.
Vocabulario clave de este vídeo
Las 15 palabras más avanzadas del vídeo, con su pronunciación y significado:
| Palabra | Pronunciación | Significado |
|---|---|---|
| emission sustantivo | /ɪˈmɪʃ.ən/ | emisión |
| commute verbo | /kəˈmjuːt/ | conmutar, indultar |
| mindful adjetivo | /ˈmaɪnd.fl̩/ | consciente, cognoscente |
| thrive verbo | /θɹajv/ | prosperar, crecer |
| greenhouse sustantivo | /ˈɡɹːnˌ(h)aʊs/ | invernadero, invernáculo |
| consumerism sustantivo | /kənˈsumərɪzm̩/ | consumismo |
| mend verbo | /mɛnd/ | remendar, enmendar |
| recycle verbo | /ɹəˈsaɪkəl/ | reciclar |
| reusable adjetivo | reutilizable | |
| intentional adjetivo | /ɪnˈtɛnʃənəl/ | intencional |
| opt verbo | /ɑpt/ | elegir, escoger |
| fortunately adverbio | /ˈfɔɹ.t͡ʃə.nɪt.li/ | afortunadamente, dichosamente |
| container sustantivo | /kənˈteɪ.nəɹ/ | recipiente, envase |
| locally adverbio | /ˈləʊkəli/ | localmente |
| electronics sustantivo | /ɪˌlɛkˈtɹɑ.nɪks/ | electrónica |
Phrasal verbs que vas a escuchar
| Palabra | Significado |
|---|---|
| add up verbo | adicionar |
| clean up verbo | limpiar |
| check out verbo | investigar, chequear |
| pick up verbo | coger, asir |
| turn off verbo | apagar |
Frases que vale la pena repetir
Frases cortas y completas del vídeo que puedes reutilizar en la conversación diaria:
- It's a daunting thought, isn't it?
- What should we give the earth in return?
- You don't have to become an expert, either.
Gramática en este vídeo
Las estructuras que más usa el hablante, con las palabras exactas del vídeo:
| Estructura | En el vídeo |
|---|---|
| Voz pasiva be + participio pasado — importa lo que ocurre, no quién lo hace | can be purchased · been found · are sorted |
| Present perfect have/has + participio pasado — una acción pasada que sigue importando ahora | have begun · have even been found |
Pronunciación a tener en cuenta
El hablante usa 16 contracciones y formas reducidas, como don't, you're, isn't. Dilas en su forma corta, tal como las oyes.
- Los sonidos de “th”: thrive /θɹajv/, thoughtful /ˈθɔːtfəl/
- Los sonidos de “sh” y “zh”: emission /ɪˈmɪʃ.ən/, intentional /ɪnˈtɛnʃənəl/, deforestation /dɪˌfɒɹɪsˈteɪʃən/, rationale /ˌɹæʃ.əˈnæl/, contamination /kənˌtæm.əˈneɪ.ʃən/
- Palabras largas — cuida el acento: consumerism /kənˈsumərɪzm̩/, intentional /ɪnˈtɛnʃənəl/, fortunately /ˈfɔɹ.t͡ʃə.nɪt.li/, electronics /ɪˌlɛkˈtɹɑ.nɪks/, admirable /ˈæd.məɹ.ə.bəl/
Sonidos difíciles para hispanohablantes:
- /v/ — no es /b/: los dientes tocan el labio inferior: thrive /θɹajv/, conserve /kənˈsɜː(ɹ)v/, cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/, weave /wiːv/, overhaul /ˈəʊvəˌhɔːl/
- /z/ — sonora, no /s/: consumerism /kənˈsumərɪzm̩/, designate /ˈdɛz.ɪɡ.neɪt/, dispose /dɪsˈpoʊz/, browse /bɹaʊz/, hazardous /ˈhæ.zɚ.dɪs/
- /dʒ/ — no es la “y” ni la “ch”: vegetarian /vɛ.d͡ʒɪˈtɛ.ɹi.ən/, adjustment /əˈd͡ʒʌst.mənt/, individually /ˌɪndɪˈvɪd͡ʒ(u)əli/, enjoyable /ɛnˈd͡ʒɔɪ.ə.bl̩/, educate /ˈɛd͡ʒ.əˌkeɪt/
Cómo practicar con este vídeo
- Escucha el vídeo entero una vez sin hablar y anota las palabras que no conoces.
- Haz shadowing frase por frase a velocidad normal, repitiendo cada una hasta que tu ritmo coincida con el del hablante.
- Grábate y compara con el original, prestando atención a palabras como emission, commute, mindful.
¿Qué es la Técnica de Shadowing?
Shadowing es una técnica de aprendizaje de idiomas respaldada por la ciencia, desarrollada originalmente para la formación de intérpretes profesionales y popularizada por el políglota Dr. Alexander Arguelles. El método es simple pero poderoso: escuchas audio en inglés nativo y lo repites en voz alta de inmediato, como una sombra que sigue al hablante con solo 1-2 segundos de retraso. A diferencia de la escucha pasiva o los ejercicios de gramática, el shadowing obliga a tu cerebro y músculos de la boca a procesar y reproducir simultáneamente patrones de habla reales. Las investigaciones muestran que mejora significativamente la precisión de la pronunciación, la entonación, el ritmo, el habla conectada, la comprensión auditiva y la fluidez al hablar, convirtiéndola en una de las metodologías más efectivas para la preparación del IELTS Speaking y la comunicación en inglés en el mundo real.