Shopping green can make an important contribution to protecting the planet and conserving its resources.
Today’s consumer faces a wider range of choices than ever before, Add to that the steady stream of sales campaigns, and shopping smart only gets harder. To buy economically and reduce waste, safeguard health and protect the environment, you’ll need to follow some basic principles and have a clear idea of what you want.
1. Do Your Homework
Before making any major purchase, take the time to research it. Plentiful resources are usually available online. Avoid buying in a hurry, and don’t be persuaded by overenthusiastic salespeople. Sleep on it if necessary—you won’t regret giving yourself some extra time to think.
2. Take the Long View
Consider the running costs as well as the initial price of any item you buy. Many environmentally friendly products cost more to buy, but save you money in the long run. Choose items that are made to last. For example, pick a sofa that has a hardwood or steel frame rather than one made of softwood, which may break easily.
3. Skip the Disposable Option
Buy reusable products like washable cloth towels, handkerchiefs, serviettes（餐巾）and cleaning cloths rather than paper, single-use varieties. Avoid other disposable supplies like cups, glasses, and chopsticks, too.
4. Take the Local Route
Buy local products that are in season. It’s usually cheaper and fresher and has less harm to the environment. Markets and roadside stands are good sources. Some supermarkets also buy from local producers. Support it if you have one.
5. Avoid Wasteful Packaging
Better not buy products that have too much packaging. It’s estimated that approximately 10 percent of every shopping bill is actually paying for packaging—which you normally just throw away! Moreover, significant amounts of energy are used in the production of packaging. Purchasing refillable and renewable containers can also help cut this kind of waste.
【小题1】What could be the best title for this passage?A．Protection of the PlanetB．Green Shopping PrinciplesC．Environmentally Friendly ProductsD．Resource Conservation【小题2】The underlined phrase “sleep on it” has the similar meaning with .A．think it overB．forget about itC．set it asideD．put it into action【小题3】Why does the author advise us to buy lasting products?A．Because they are less expensive to buy.B．Because they save money in the long run.C．Because they will never break.D．Because they are local products.【小题4】Which of the following can be considered green shopping?A．Following the stream of sales campaigns. B．Buying disposable chopsticks.C．Focusing on packaging.D．Purchasing from local markets.B
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(答案→)B
解析：在倡导绿色生活的今天，我们怎样做才能绿色购物呢？本文为你提供了一些实用的建议和小点子。做一些调查；目光看远一些；用循环使用的用品；用当地的应季物品；避免过度包装。
【小题1】主旨大意题。文章介绍的是绿色购物的准则。故选B。
【小题2】词义理解题。由上下文及“you won’t regret giving yourself some extra time to think.”可知，作者想让人们先思考一下在作出买的决定。故选A。
【小题3】细节理解题。由“but save you money in the long run. Choose items that are made to last.”可知这样可以在以后有长期的节省。故选B。
【小题4】细节理解题。由“Take the Local Route”可知区内航线更利于绿色消费。故选D。