Topic: Environment

Essay Type: Solution Essay

Essay Question:

The increase in the production of consumer goods results in damage to the natural environment. What are the causes of this? What can be done to solve this problem?

Model Essay (280 words):

As more consumer goods are manufactured, the damage to the environment inflicted by it also increases. This essay will outline several reasons for this and suggest a few measures to counter this issue.

The first way the increase in consumer products harms the environment is through chemical by-products from the manufacturing process and mass production of disposable goods. It is estimated that around 15% of the total air pollution and 10% of water pollution worldwide is caused by power plants and factories. It may not sound serious, but its adverse effects on the environment cannot be denied. The second way is through the introduction of single-use products, which are mostly non-biodegradable, to accommodate the ever-increasing demands of customers. Though people only use these items once, they will remain in landfills or oceans for thousands of years.

There are several possible solutions to solve this problem. One is to promote the development of sustainable manufacturing processes by encouraging large corporations to use greener energy. For instance, in some countries, the government gives tax incentives to businesses using renewable energy. Another way is for companies to use eco-friendly materials and reduce their consumption and production of plastic. In some malls, for example, eco-bags or paper bags are used in place of plastic bags. However, the public and private sector can only do so much. Hence, a collective effort is necessary to improve the state of our environment.

To conclude, environmental damage is caused by the wastes from factories and the overuse of disposable products. Nonetheless, through the cooperation of the government, the companies, and the consumers, we will be able to avoid the possibility of living in a world full of trash.

Essay Structure:

introduction – background statement and outline statement

body paragraph 1 – general idea + specific idea (explanation/example) [causes]

body paragraph 2 – general idea + specific idea (explanation/example) [solutions]

conclusion – restated opinion and general idea

Key Ideas:

opinion – The increase in consumer goods production is causing damage to the environment. There are ways to solve this situation.

causes 1 – The two main reasons for this are the wastes produced by factories during production and the mass produced single-use products that stay as waste for a long time after being disposed.

solutions 2 – In solving this problem, the government should work with major manufacturers to look for alternative ways of manufacturing goods that will minimize the environmental impact. It is also important to encourage everyone to use eco-friendly products.

Useful Vocabulary:

by-product - an incidental or secondary product made in the manufacture or synthesis of something else
disposable - intended to be used once, or until no longer useful, and then thrown away
adverse - harmful; unfavourable
single-use - designed to be used once and then disposed of or destroyed
sustainable - conserving an ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources
green energy - energy that can be produced in a way that protects the natural environment
renewable - a source of energy that is not depleted by use
in place of - instead of
collective -done by people acting as a group

Model Essay (267 words):

In recent years, the rise in the demand and production of consumer goods has largely contributed to the deterioration of the natural environment. This trend is caused by industrialization and overpopulation. However, this problem can be solved through the combined efforts of the government and the people.

One of the main causes of environmental damage concerning consumer goods is industrialization. Factories manufacturing various products are releasing toxic waste to water sources and emitting harmful gases to the air. This has put enormous strains on our ecosystem. Another factor causing environmental damage is overpopulation. With billions of people around the world, the demands for necessities, such as food, clothing, and shelter, have been increasing at an alarming rate. As a result, more companies are producing goods, and more arable lands are being cleared for residential or industrial purposes.

To solve this problem, both the government and citizens should take immediate action. Firstly, the government should put forward stricter regulations on waste management and enforce bans on the use of disposable goods of commercial establishments. For instance, some businesses have started to use carton boxes and paper bags instead of Styrofoam and plastic bags. Secondly, people should be made aware of the disastrous consequences of consumerism and encouraged to adopt eco-friendly consumption habits. Instead of using plastic bags, people should bring their reusable bags. Also, individuals should be more responsible when disposing of their garbage.

In conclusion, industrialization and overpopulation have created undesirable effects on the environment. But, with the collective effort of the government and individuals, we can bring about a noticeable and significant impact on the environment.

Essay Structure:

introduction – background statement and thesis statement

body paragraph 1 – general idea + specific idea (explanation/example) [causes]

body paragraph 2 – general idea + specific idea (explanation/example) [solutions]

conclusion – restated opinion and general idea

Key Ideas:

opinion – The increase in consumer goods production is causing damage to the environment. This trend is due to industrialization and overpopulation and it can be solved through the collaborative efforts of the government and the citizens

causes 1 – The two main reasons for this are industrialization, in which factories emit harmful gases and release toxic water in the environment, and overpopulation. As people’s demands for their necessities increases, more products we will be produced and more lands will be converted into residential or industrial areas.

solutions 2 – In solving this problem, the government should work with major establishments to use eco-friendly products, such as carton boxes or paper bags. Also, individuals should avoid using single-use items such as plastic bags.

Useful Vocabulary:

deterioration - the process of becoming progressively worse
industrialization - the development of industries in a country or region on a wide scale
strain - a severe or excessive demand on the strength, resources, or abilities of someone or something
alarming - worrying or disturbing
arable - (of land) used or suitable for growing crops
waste management - include the activities and actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal
disastrous - causing great damage
consumerism - the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods
collective - done by people acting as a group