Fashion Goes Green

時尚吹起環保風When it comes to fashion, green is the new black by Chelsea Ewald.

Every day you wake up and get dressed. But have you ever stopped to think about the clothes in your closet? Most likely, they were manufactured in distant countries under hazardous conditions in pollution-emitting factories before being loaded into shipping containers or trucks. From there, they made the long, oil-burning journey across land and sea to finally arrive in local shops, and ultimately, in your closet.

Every time the fashion industry carries this process out, it's at the expense of the environment. And what's more, most of the clothes produced - including the ones found in your closet -are not made from sustainable materials.

Fortunately, there is a solution to this environmental problem: sustainable fashion. Also known as eco-fashion, it is the concept of considering the environmental impact of what you wear each day. So what exactly makes eco-fashion so eco-friendly? For one, it encourages designers to create clothing using green fabrics and fibers such as organic cotton and bamboo. In addition, designers and manufacturers are encouraged to use responsible production techniques, which include producing materials that use fewer toxic chemicals and striving for more energy-efficient processes.

Designers and manufacturers clearly have environmental responsibilities to uphold and so do consumers. Fortunately, getting a green wardrobe is easier than you think.

Shop your own closet
Instead of purchasing a new outfit from the mall, make what you already have look new again. Use your creativity to mix old items and accessories together in fresh, new ways. If you know how to sew, the possibilities are endless. Cut up old shirts and piece them together to make a new skirt or jacket. Have fun and be creative.

Be a thrifty shopper
Save money and avoid waste at the same time by shopping for gently used clothing items. Although thrift shops are most ideal for this type of shopping, many online sites, including eBay, sell used clothing.

Get to know eco-friendly brands
What brands do you shop for? Today, high-end designers like Stella MaCartney and Loomstate are supporting sustainable fashion. Likewise, more affordable options include popular chain
H& M, which is committed to responsibly using the planet's resources to manufacture its clothing. Buy brands that support eco-fashion. Become an environmental activist by starting with your closet. Dress green every day!

Grammar Tips:
....What's more, most of the clothes produced are not made from sustainable materials.
what's more -furthermore, in addition.
what's more -add more information to it...
Because we just bought a new house, we can't afford to go on a trip this year. And, what's more, we still have to pay for our kids' tuition.
Joe likes to use other people's things without asking. And, what is more, he always forgets to return the things he's borrowed.

Vocabulary Tips:
hazardous (adj)-有害的，有危險的．． dangerous, hazard (n)-危險，危險物
* A hazardous working environment can damage the workers' health in a very short period of time.
*The chemicals in the detergent were reported to be hazardous to human bodies.
"all the expense of something or somebody" (idiom) -　為．．付上代價 cost of something or someone. expense -refer to "犧牲，損失，代價 ".
*He made a lot money at the expense of his family.　．．．犧牲了家庭．
uphold -refer to up holding, suppurt ,obey and believe a rule, a standard, a principle.
outfit -combination of many pieces of clothing together, put shirt, pants, coat, tie on. 服裝,穿着打扮.
toxic -有毒的 poisonous, dangerous.
*These toxic chemicals need to be stored in special containers.
Toxic fumes can cause nausea and dizziness.　有毒氣體會使人噁心，暈眩
go green - material go more eco-friendly. It doesn't have to green color.
black - is a staple color, last long time an go well with everything.
ultimately - in the end, final, after some period of time or after all those concerned.
sustainable- able to last for long time, can be continue of over the time.
eco ＝ ecology = people, animal and nature are live together mingled.
responsible -here means" making right decision to be good for everyone."
energy-efficient - use energy wisely, not wasting. save energy.
green fabric - fabric made of eco-friendly material (green material).
wardrobe-衣櫃，衣櫥，或指一個人所有的衣物。
*Check your wardrobe before shopping so you can avoid buying things you already have.
*Betty showed us her new red-wood wardrobe.
accessories -配件。something added to pants, shirts or dress.
*The Store has all kinds of accessories to go with dresses.
*The accessories for the convertible are too expensive.
thrifty (adj) -(positive) a good way to save money.省錢的, 節儉的，cheap (negative) -吝嗇的,小氣
be a thrifty shopper.-花錢買東西會精打細算的人.
thrift (n)-節約,節省
*Even though Eric is very rich now, he's still very thrifty.
*Mom has always been a thrifty housewife.

Chat Room:
When it comes to fashion, green is the new black.　注重環保，新的色彩，新的流行，新的主流．
40 is the new 30 -指人很會保養自己，４０嵗看上去像３０嵗．
30 is the new 20 -　３０嵗看上去像２０嵗
small is the new big -　（電腦趨勢）小型的取代了大型電腦．
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tightwad-把錢抓得緊緊的, 守財奴
wad-一曡的東西
a wad of bills -一曡鈔票.
tight -緊的,緊緊的
Pay an arm and a leg-付出一支手臂和一條腿. 即"付出昂貴的价碼才買到,花大价錢買.
"cost" or "charge" can replace "pay"
That hair salon charges an arm and leg for a haircut ...索取价錢 好昂貴.

"Green" solutions for future events

運動賽事的＂綠色＂之道Event planners may score a big win with these eco-friendly ideas賽事主辦者可望靠環保理念大獲全勝

As Spain Kicked its winning goal, World Cup planners were already thinking about 2014. Plans include looking for ways to make future games "greener." One topic being discussed is the benefits of temporary stadiums rather than permanent ones.

South Africa, for instance, spent hundreds of millions of dollars on several permanent stadiums. Now that soccer fans have departed, city leaders aren't sure how to use the massive arenas. However, permanent structures that are built for one event could soon be a thing of the past.
Architect John Barrow believes solutions exist in something he calls "stadiums in a box." Flexible arenas would be designed to meet the needs of individual events. London's 2010 Olympic stadium will use this idea. During the Olympics, 55,000 temporary seats will be added to 25,000 permanent seats and then removed afterward.

Barrow also suggests using prefab materials to build stadiums. When an event ends, the stadium could be taken apart and built again somewhere else. Recyclable solutions may very well be found in "stadiums in a box."

Grammar:

...permanent structures that are built for one event could soon be a thing of the past.

"a thing of the past"-

*With more and more people using digital cameras to take pictures, having photos developed at a photo center is becoming a thing of the past.

*The new tunnels allow drivers to go quickly through the mountains driving along the base of the mountains will soon become a thing of the past.

*In this company, paper memos are a thing of the past: all information is distributed through the Internet.

Vocabulary Tips:
individual-個別的，個人的
*The design of the kitchens can be adjusted according to each household's individual needs.
*Victor's individual writing style can be easily recognized.
prefab=prefabricated-預製的pre-事先的, fab=fabricated=fabricate-製造
*These prefab houses are designed to be temporary shelters for earthquake victims.
recyclable-可再利用，可再循環re-“再一次，重復”cycle-周期，圓圈
*These milk jars are recyclable.
*Recyclable materials are often a bit more expensive, but they are definitely worth the investment.

Chat Room:
blue-藍色，憂鬱
You look blue today-憂鬱，不開心
"yellow-bellied" -懦弱無能的。
tickled pink-讓人非常愉快，高興。
I was tickled pink to hear that they're getting married.我聽到。。。感到非常高興。
black sheep-害群之馬
the black sheep of the family-讓家人蒙羞的一員
see through rose colored glasses-透過玫瑰顏色的玻璃杯子看事情。意即“過分樂觀看事情，把一切都看得太美了。

Bamboo Cloth- the New Cotton

你可以把竹子穿在身上Not only can you sit and walk on bamboo, but you can wear it too這種美妙的植物如今被用來製作衣服喔This amazing plant is now being made into clothes!

by Pamela Osment

Furniture and flooring usually come to mind when we think of ways to use bamboo. Not many of us, though, think of bamboo clothing! But that might be changing with the popularity of an amazing fabric made from bamboo.

The process

How can a material used to make hard floors also be used to make soft cloth? In 2001, researchers in Beijing figured out that it’s all in the processing. Today, two main methods are used.

Mechanical

In the mechanical process, woody parts of the bamboo plant are crushed. The fibers are then combed and spun into thread. Afterward, color can be added and the threads made into cloth.

Chemical

The chemical process is the most common and uses the entire bamboo plant. The crushed fibers are "cooked" in chemicals and then turned into thread. Some don't like this process and worry that the chemicals may hurt the environment. However, others believe that the many benefits of this bamboo fabric outweigh the negatives.

The benefits

Cotton has long been known as the world's wonder fabric for its comfort and many uses. But if bamboo cloth manufacturers have their way, bamboo may soon leave cotton in the dust. Those who wear clothes made from bamboo say that they are as comfortable as cotton. These clothes feel like cashmere, yet they're a lot less expensive. However, in terms of benefits, comfort and cost are just the beginning!

Some trees require around 60 years to grow. But bamboo can grow almost a meter a day. This makes it one of the world's most renewable plants. It requires no chemicals and very little water for growth. These facts ease the minds of environmentalists. Customers are pleased that the fabric absorbs moisture better than cotton and doesn't hold odors in. It keeps wearers cool and dry. Plus, it can be thrown into the washer and dryer, and it comes out wrinkle-free! No wonder so many people are now calling bamboo the new wonder fabric!

More Information

When you wash your bamboo clothes, it's recommended you use a gentle, cold-water cycle. Then to help your bamboo clothes last longer, let them dry naturally on a clothesline. If you do use an electric dryer, be aware that bamboo fiber draws moisture away from other types of fiber--- meaning that your bamboo clothes may still be moist when all of your other clothes are dry.

Grammar

.......in terms of benefits, comfort is just the beginning!

just the beginning- It's the beginning of the long list. it means there is more than just saying. there is very important, has more to be added or mention, it can be used at the positive way and negative way.

There is more to your birthday surprise; this trip to the salon is just the beginning.

I woke up late and I missed the bus so I was late to work, little did I know it was just the beginning of a very bad day.

Vocabulary

come to mind-浮现脑海

*Do you know any good French restaurants? Nothing comes to mind right now.

*The name " Bee Gees" comes to mind when you talk about the 70's.

processing-加工或处理的 process-处理

*Processing camera film is a thing of the past since most cameras today are digital.

*This software can speed up data processing.

mechanical-机械的,与机械有关的,

*The airplane crash was caused by mechanical failure.机械故障

*All the mechanical parts of this vehicle are imported from Germany.机械零件.

leave something or someone in the dust - 使望尘莫及.dust-尘土,灰尘.

*Once the new cell-phone is available, it'll leave other competitors in the dust.上市...叫竞争者..

*His problem-solving abilities leave me in the dust.解决问题的能力..

renewable- 再生的,可更新的 re-再一次 new-新的 able-可以的

*This kind of car uses renewable fuel.再生能源

*Many scientists are developing technologies that use renewable energy resources.再生能源

moisture-水分,湿气,水气.

*This kind of soil can retain more moisture than others.土壤..保持水分..

*He turned on the vent to let the excess moisture evaporate faster. 过多的....蒸发.

Chat Room

comb (n)-梳子

to comb (v)-梳理，梳整

The fibers are combed and spun into thread. 纤维加以梳理再纺成线

comb/ comb through 搜寻,搜索,澈底的搜查,仔细的,彻底的搜寻,地毯式的寻找.

The police combed the area.

The police combed through the area.

fine-tooth comb-齿牙很密的梳子

go over something with a fine-tooth comb.彻底的搜寻,地毯式的寻找.

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washer and dryer= cloth washing machine and cloth dry machine.洗衣机和烘干机

washing machine-洗衣机

the washer and dryer-明确的说是a clothes washer and a clothes dryer

dishwasher-洗碗机

hand dryer- 手烘干机

hairdryer/ blow dryer- (头发)吹风机

Earth Day's 40th Birthday

迎接地球日四十周年Celebrate the Earth today在今天歡慶地球日吧Over a billion worldwide are celebrating our planet by Chip Ewald

Today people all over the world celebrate a truly global event. Earth Day aims to promote the protection of the earth’s environment. Since 1970, this day has been helping people, companies and countries become green.

Earth Day began with around 20 million Americans demonstration in streets, parks and schools. Now, over 1 billion people in 180 countries observe this day. Earth Day Network has asked people to register and complete one "act of green" today. An act might be picking up garbage or making a commute to work more efficient.

People have been recording their acts on the network's website. The network hopes for 1 billion acts in total! Since this year marks Earth Day's 40th anniversary, different activities will go on all week. On April 25th, people will gather for official celebrations in 40 major cities worldwide. They will celebrate the countless green accomplishments of the week and the last 40 years.

So join the action. Help the planet and its people by doing something green today.

More Information
Here are 6 Ways to Go Green:
1. Ride a bike or car pool to work.
2. Make sure the light bulbs in your house are efficient/
3. Always take your own bags to the grocery store.
4. Use things (like bags and containers) at least two limes or more.
5. Avoid buying bottled water. But if you do, reuse the bottle.
6. Take your own chopsticks when you eat out.

Grammar
earth Day began with around 20 million Americans demonstrating in streets, parks and schools.
earth day began with around 20 million Americans;
They were demonstrating in streets, parks and schools.
*when we put two sentences together, these two sentences have the same subject, just drop subject and verb of the second sentence.
*Earth Day began with around 20 million Americans demonstrating in streets, parks and schools
Tom saw Fred is in the cafeteria. He is eating
*Tom saw Fred is eating in the cafeteria.
Sandra saw him in the classroom. He was practicing his speech.
*Sandra saw him practicing his speech in the classroom.

Vocabulary
global-全球的，全球性的 globe-地球earth, planet.
*The decreasing Ozone layer is a global problem that affects all parts of the world.臭氧层
*Only global cooperation can help end the food shortage in developing countries. 全球性合作
register-登记，注册
*You need to register first then you can have access to the website.
*All trainees need to register before entering the new quarter.
demonstrate-此指抗议或示威。demonstration (n)-示威，抗议
demonstrate against something or someone
*Thousands of people were on the streets demonstrating against the new tax policy.
*The anti-war demonstration lasted for a long time.

Chat Room
garbage/trash-垃圾（美国人）
rubbish-垃圾（英国人）
junk-破铜烂铁，破旧的东西。something is worn out, can be throw away.
refuse (n)- 废弃物(注意发音) refuse (v)-拒绝

"Garbage Patch" Expedition Finds Plastic Everywhere

太平洋中的垃圾島Scientists believe the trash washes down from places such as the San Francisco Bay Area or Japan 塑膠垃圾入侵太平洋Plastic is filling the Pacific Ocean by Paul Rogers / @2009 San Jose Mercury News

Scientists who returned to the San Francisco Bay area this week after an expedition to the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” brought piles of plastic debris they pulled out of the ocean. But what alarmed them most, they said, was the nearly inconceivable amount of tiny, confetti-like pieces of broken plastic.

They took hundreds of water samples between the Farallon Islands and the notorious garbage patch 1,000 miles west of California. And every one had tiny bits of plastic floating in it. And the closer they sailed to the garbage patch, which some researchers have estimated to be twice the size of Texas, the more plastic pieces per gallon they found.

"Marine debris is the new man-made epidemic. It's that serious," said Andrea Neal, principal investigator on the Kaisei, a research ship on the trip. Neal said crews on the tree-week voyage discovered tiny jellyfish eating bits of the plastic debris. The jellyfish are, in turn, eaten by fish like salmon or tuna, which people eat.

Because the plastic pieces contain toxic chemicals, state toxicologists have taken hundreds of the objects, along with more than 300 fish to an environmental chemistry lab in Berkeley. They want to see if any chemicals are moving up the food chain.

"Every day, every night we'd pull up samples and pour the water through a sieve. It would be completely clogged with tiny pieces of plastic." said Margy Gassel, a research scientist with the California Environmental Protection Agency. "It was so disturbing." The research was the most extensive look yet at the garbage patch, a collection of mostly plastic debris located 1,000 miles north of Hawaii. The bobbling debris field, where currents swirl everything from discarded fishing line to plastic bottles into one soupy mess, was discovered in the mid-1990s. The garbage patch is emerging as a major international environmental concern.
Not only do its plastics pose a potential chemical threat, but birds, sea turtles and other marine life die when they eat or become entangled in floating plastic. Invasive species such as crabs, barnacles and other marine life also can attach themselves to it and float across the globe.

Mary Crowley, who co-founded Project Kaisei, said time is of the essence. "The floating pieces of plastic - large and small-are like a spreading cancer on the ocean, " she said. "It's impossible for me to think of what the ocean might be like in another 30 years if we don't change."


More Information
According to Answers.com about 20% of the Pacific Garbage Patch's garbage comes from ships. A typical passenger cruise ship, for example produces over eight tons of solid waste weekly, much of it ending up in the water. It takes about five years for air and water currents to carry debris from the west coast of North America to the garbage patch, while garbage from Asia's east coast takes about a year.

Grammar
The jelly fish are, in turn, eaten by fish like salmon or tuna, which people eat.
in turn=one by one, (wait a turn).
*Each student, in turn, gave a report to the whole class.
in turn=and then, or next in order
*After the bread is removed from the oven, it is, in turn, placed in a cool dry place.
in turn-talk about an action is much like what was mention earlier.
*The goal of this project is to train twelve teachers. Each teacher will, in turn, go and train twelve other new teachers.

Vocabulary
inconceivable-令人无法想像的，不可思议的，难以置信的。in-有否定之意, conceivable-可想像的，可理解的，可相信的。
*It is inconceivable that their new product could be so popular in such a short time!
notorious-famous with bad name.恶名昭彰的，声名狼藉的。
*He is one of the most notorious bank robbers in the country.
*The credit card company is notorious for having an unreasonably high interest rate.
epidemic- 泛滥的现象（问题），传染病，大势流行。became serious problem, disease.
*Due to the unemployment epidemic, thousands of people are without a job.
*The flu epidemic caused many schools to close temporarily.
clog-clogged/clogging-something (stuff) stuck prevent water drain effectively.塞满，堵塞，甚麽东西堵塞 用“with".
*Freeways in L.A. are always clogged with traffic during rush hour.
*The pipes are clogged with fallen leaves.
swirl-move around in a circular motion, very very quick. 打转，使卷曲，旋转
*Snowflakes swirled in the brisk wind as we were driving through the wilderness.
*The water rapids swirled violently and sent the raft downstream.木筏，下游
entangle-cause something or someone to be caught.使纠缠,使卷入，使陷入.
*The bear got entangled by the trap set by the hunters.
*The swordfish got entangled in the fishing net.
*The governor was entangled in the political scandal. 州长.
debris-little piece of something that had broken.
confetti-like-made of small pieces of paper, glass or something, colorful.
sieve (n)-a thing with fine net can drain the water out or let water come straight through.
disturbing-upsetting, very unpleasant.
extensive look-take closely and careful look
bobbling-floating on the water up and down.
barnacles-very small sea animal with shell, adhesive on rock or the bottom of the boat.蚌,蚵,蟹类的寄身物.
time is of the essence- something is of the essence, mean something is very important.

Chat Room
expedition/trip/trek/safari/voyage
expedition-journey with mission/purpose 探险,作战,为特殊目的所作的旅行,远征,出征.
*shopping expedition-专门为了shopping 目的的旅逰.
trip-vacation or a short trip to visit a place or somewhere..旅行,远足,或去某个地方
*Make a trip to the bathroom
trek-a hard, difficult trip with foot walk or hike.
safari-exploring in a wilderness such as Africa. 非洲狩猎探险.
voyage-travel on (under) the sea or alter space. 海上,海底或外太空探险.
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conjunctions-连接词 not only.. ,but/ both .. and .../neither ..nor
not only A, but also B-不仅是甲，也是乙
Not only 放在句首，要用倒装句型。
*Not only does the library have books, but it also has magazines.
both A and B-是甲，也是乙，二者皆是
neither A nor B-不是甲，也不是乙， 二者都不是。