VSTEP B1, B2, C1 Speaking Part 2: Solution Discussion

- Question:

You want to reduce your environmental impact. Would you focus on reducing waste, saving energy, or reducing water consumption?

- Answer:

I would focus on reducing waste as a primary means to lessen my environmental impact. Waste generation is a major environmental concern. Not only does it contribute to land and marine pollution, but it also directly affects climate change through the release of greenhouse gases during waste decomposition.

While saving energy and reducing water consumption are significant, they are often dependent on larger infrastructural changes and more challenging to impact on an individual level. On the other hand, waste reduction can be easily initiated at a personal level, from using reusable bags to composting organic waste.

Compared to saving energy, where the options may be limited by the type of appliances or the electricity supply, waste reduction provides more immediate and diverse choices. Similarly, water consumption is often dependent on lifestyle requirements and can be less flexible.

Therefore, while all three options are important for reducing environmental impact, I believe that focusing on reducing waste offers the most immediate and flexible way for individuals to make a difference.