Shadowing Practice: 10 Small Ways to Give Back to Earth - Learn English Speaking with Video
Creating lesson...
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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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Who Is This Video For?
This video is perfect for English learners at the intermediate level who want to practice real-world vocabulary while learning about sustainability. Whether you’re aiming to improve your speaking, expand your eco-friendly lexicon, or practice shadow speech (repeating phrases aloud to mimic pronunciation), the clear, conversational tone makes it easy to follow. It’s ideal for those who want to learn English with videos that blend education and purpose—you’ll pick up practical phrases while discovering ways to care for the planet.
Words & Idioms Worth Stealing
- Ripple outward: To spread and affect more people or things. Example: "Small choices ripple outward to change the world."
- Lifestyle overhaul: A big, sudden change to how you live. Example: "You don’t need a lifestyle overhaul to help the Earth."
- Tamp down: To reduce or control. Example: "Tamp down the urge to throw away broken items."
- Decenter: To make something less important. Example: "Decenter meat in your diet with plant-based meals."
How to Get the Accent Right
The speaker uses a warm, conversational American accent with clear intonation—great for shadowing practice. Focus on stressing key words in phrases like "small intentional choices" or " significant share of emissions" to match the natural rhythm. Notice how short pauses after colons (e.g., "Here are some ways: cook more, avoid takeout…") help clarify meaning. For tricky terms like "microplastics" or "refurbished," break them into syllables: mi-cro-plas-tics, re-fur-bished. Use a shadowing app to repeat sentences aloud, matching the speaker’s pace and tone. With practice, you’ll not only improve English pronunciation but also sound more natural in everyday conversations.
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it | can be purchased · been found · are sorted |
| Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now | have begun · have even been found |
What is the Shadowing Technique?
Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.