Part 1: Environment Collocations
Collocations are words that naturally go together. These combinations are common when talking about the environment, nature and climate.
Common Environment Collocations
| Collocation | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| reduce waste | "We need to reduce waste by using less plastic." | Create less rubbish |
| recycle materials | "Many companies now recycle materials from old products." | Process and use materials again |
| renewable energy | "The country is investing in renewable energy." | Energy from natural sources (sun, wind, water) |
| carbon footprint | "Flying often increases your carbon footprint." | Amount of CO₂ you are responsible for |
| protect wildlife | "We must protect wildlife habitats." | Keep animals and their homes safe |
| climate crisis | "Scientists warn that we are facing a climate crisis." | Serious global climate problem |
More Environment Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| environmental impact | "We must measure the environmental impact of new projects." |
| greenhouse gases | "Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere." |
| biodiversity loss | "Deforestation leads to biodiversity loss." |
| sustainable development | "Sustainable development balances growth and protection." |
| conservation project | "Local volunteers joined a river conservation project." |
Practice: Collocations
Exercise 1: Complete the collocations (no hints)
1. We need to __________ waste by using reusable bags and bottles.
2. More cities want to __________ renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
3. Companies must __________ responsibility for their environmental impact.
4. Governments are trying to __________ emissions from cars and factories.
5. Everyone can __________ part by recycling at home.
Part 2: Environment Idioms
Idioms are expressions with meanings different from the literal words. These are often used when discussing big problems or changes.
Common Environment-related Idioms:
- a drop in the ocean – a very small amount compared to what is needed
"Recycling one bottle feels like a drop in the ocean, but it still matters." - the tip of the iceberg – a small, visible part of a much bigger problem
"Plastic on the beach is just the tip of the iceberg." - the last straw – the final small event that causes a big reaction
"The heatwave was the last straw; people finally demanded action." - a breath of fresh air – something new and positive
"Her ideas about sustainability were a breath of fresh air." - on thin ice – in a risky or dangerous situation
"Without changing our habits, we're on thin ice environmentally."
Practice: Idioms
Exercise 2: Complete the idioms (no hints)
1. Donating once a year may feel like a __________ in the ocean, but it still helps.
2. The rubbish we see on the street is just the tip of the __________.
3. That huge oil spill was the last __________ for many environmentalists.
4. Her creative recycling project was a real breath of fresh __________.
5. If we ignore climate science, we are walking on __________ ice.
Part 3: Environment Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are verbs combined with prepositions or adverbs that create new meanings. These ones are common in environmental discussions.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| cut down on | Use less of something | "We need to cut down on energy use." |
| throw away | Put something in the rubbish | "Don't throw away glass; recycle it." |
| clean up | Make a place cleaner | "Volunteers helped clean up the river." |
| run out of | Have no more of something | "Some areas are running out of fresh water." |
| set up | Start or arrange something | "The council set up a new recycling program." |
Usage Tips:
Cut down on is useful for talking about reducing negative behaviour (plastic, energy, meat, etc.).
Clean up is common in community projects: beach clean-ups, river clean-ups.
Run out of is key when discussing resources like water, oil, or time.
Practice: Phrasal Verbs
Exercise 3: Complete the phrasal verbs (no hints)
1. We must __________ down on single-use plastic bags.
2. Please don’t __________ away old clothes; donate them instead.
3. Volunteers came to __________ up the park after the festival.
4. If we __________ out of clean water, many regions will suffer.
5. The school wants to __________ up a garden to teach about biodiversity.
Well done! Small changes in your vocabulary can lead to big changes for the planet.