Unlocking
Word Meanings
Read
the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. contaminate (v.) [kuhn-tam-uh-neyt] – to pollute or
make something impure or unclean
Example:
Rivers are being contaminated by
chemical waste produced by factories.
2. lax (adj.) [laks] – not strict
Example: A lax attitude towards discipline leads to
failure.
3. hormonal (adj.) [hawr-mohn-uhl] – refers to
processes related to bodily chemicals which have a specific effect on the body
Example: Hormonal imbalance leads to abnormal
bodily functions.
4. tip of the iceberg (idiom) [tip] [uhv] [thuh] [ahys-burg] – the
first clue of something that is much larger or complex
Example:
The new evidence in the unsolved case is just the tip of the iceberg.
5. multinational (adj.) [muhl-tee-nash-uh-nl] – describes
large companies that operate in several countries
Example: Multinational companies are
well-established.
Article
Read
the text below.
Textile factories that are supplying fabric to big companies like Nike, Adidas and Lacoste pollute China's two main rivers with toxic chemicals, reports Greenpeace.
Laboratory
tests reveal that chemical wastes from Youngor Textile Complex and Well Dyeing
Factory contaminate the Pearl River and the Yangtze River.
According to
the international environmental organization, clothing companies take advantage
of China’s lax environmental rules. They buy fabric from factories that
make use of harmful chemicals causing hormonal abnormalities to both
animals and humans. These chemicals have been banned by the European Union but
are still used in many developing countries.
Other companies
that Greenpeace links to the problem include Puma, Calvin Klein, Converse,
H&M and Abercrombie and Fitch. In response to the issue, some of the
clothing companies claim that their business partnership with the textile
suppliers do not involve processes that make use of harmful chemicals.
According to
Gloria Chang, Greenpeace campaign manager, findings of the report were just the
tip of the iceberg. Other textile manufacturing companies that disregard
environmental safety still exists. Greenpeace calls for the multinational
clothing brands to make use of their power to phase out the use of hazardous
substances. They must make sure that their products do not harm the environment
and the public health.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your
tutor.
Discussion A
·
What can manufacturing industries do to make sure
that they are not harming the environment?
·
If factories are located in different areas, do you
think it will lessen the problems in the environment?
Discussion B
·
How can environmental problems affect people's
health?
·
Is it possible to prevent all environmental
problems? Explain your answer.