With greater climate catastrophe (气候突变) on Earth, it is natural for us to make every effort to stop the potential floods, snowstorms, and alarming reports from scientists. For many of us (myself included), part of that means running out to buy reusable straws, organic cleaners, and packaging-free products.
However, before you are delighted at “green” purchases, take a second to consider the results of a new study from Arizona University. By comparing the shopping habits, mental health and environmental impact of young people, the researchers reconfirmed a principle: Buying less beats buying “green” stuff without effort. And that is true whether you are looking at the impact that your purchases have on the Earth or on your own happiness.
It should not come as a shock that simply consuming less is better for the planet. After all, every new item a factory yields requires some resources to produce. Take plastic bag bans for instance. If your city is getting rid of single-use shopping bags, it can be attractive to pay for a fashionable organic cotton bag hanging in the check-out line of your local supermarket. However, experts insist that growing cotton is actually no better for the Earth than producing the conventional plastic bags. Then what is your best bet for carrying your groceries if you care about sustainability? Any bag you already own.
It is not just the Earth that will be happier if you buy less. You will feel more contented too, according to the new study. “People believe that they might well be self-satisfied about becoming environmentally conscious through ‘green’ buying patterns, but it doesn’t seem to be that way”, said the lead researcher Sabrina Helm. “Reduced consumption has effects on increased well-being, but we don’t see that with ‘green’ consumption.”
“Owning every new ‘green’ product on the market might make you feel contented, but if you relieve yourself of that burden of ownership, most people report feeling a lot better,” said Helm.
37. Why does the writer mention “green” shopping habits?
A.To call on a green lifestyle. | B.To praise people’s green efforts. |
C.To introduce a social trend. | D.To present a half true “green” truth. |
38. What’s the main idea of paragraph 3?
A.The plastic bag bans are of no effect. | B.Using any bag you have is the best bet. |
C.Reduced consumption is better for the Earth. | D.Growing cotton is far worse for the Earth. |
39. What does the underlined word “that” in paragraph 4 refer to?
A.The sense of achievement. | B.The sense of happiness. |
C.The sense of relief. | D.The sense of security. |
40. What might be the best title for the text?
A.Less is More | B.The Greener, The Happier |
C.Happiness Guarantee | D.What Are Green Products? |