In many societies, there is a growing emphasis

on sustainable living and reducing

environmental impact. What are the challenges
of adopting a sustainable lifestyle? What
practical actions can individuals take to
contribute to sustainability?
Sample IELTS Essay
In many societies, there is an increasing focus on a
sustainable lifestyle and reducing impacts on the
environment. While adopting a sustainable lifestyle
can be challenging due to various obstacles, there
are viable actions that individuals can take to
minimize their ecological footprint/environmental
impacts.
Body 1: Challenges of Adopting a Sustainable
Lifestyle
The key challenges of embracing a sustainable
lifestyle involve the high financial cost associated
with eco-friendly products and a lack of awareness.
First, Items such as organic food, electric cars, and
renewable energy systems often come with a hefty
price tag, making them unaffordable for many
households. For example, installing solar panels can
significantly reduce long-term energy expenses but
requires a substantial upfront investment.
Additionally, a lack of awareness and education
about sustainability poses another obstacle. Many
individuals remain unaware of environmentally
friendly practices like composting or reducing plastic
consumption, causing them to continue harmful
habits.
Body 2: Practical Actions Individuals Can Take
Despite these challenges, individuals can still take
meaningful steps toward sustainability, which
include the reduction of waste and energy use as
well as the support of sustainable businesses.First,
simple practices such as recycling, composting food
scraps, and using reusable shopping bags can
significantly decrease waste production.
Furthermore, conserving energy and water at home
through measures like using energy-efficient
appliances and fixing leaks can also help. Another
important action is supporting sustainable
businesses. By choosing eco-friendly brands,
purchasing locally produced goods, and avoiding
fast fashion, consumers can promote
environmentally responsible business practices and
reduce their carbon footprint.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are a number of barriers
to a sustainable way of life, taking the
aforementioned steps can help individuals achieve
this goal.
IELTS Reading Passage: Embracing
Sustainability - Challenges and Solutions
In recent years, sustainable living has become a
global priority, prompting individuals and
communities to reduce their environmental impact.
However, transitioning to a sustainable lifestyle is
fraught with challenges, requiring both societal and
individual-level solutions. This passage explores
these challenges and highlights practical actions that
can make a significant difference.
Challenges of Adopting a Sustainable Lifestyle
1. Financial Barriers
One of the most significant
hurdles/obstacles/barries in pursuing
sustainability is the high cost associated with
eco-friendly products and services. Many
environmentally conscious/environmentally
friendly/eco-friendly options, such as electric
vehicles, solar panels, and organic foods, are
priced considerably higher than their
conventional/traditional counterparts(những cái
tương tự). For instance, while electric cars can
reduce carbon emissions, their purchase cost
remains prohibitive/exorbitant/very expensive for
average consumers due to the expensive batteries
and limited charging infrastructure. Similarly,
organic produce often costs more because of
labor-intensive(tốn nhiều sức người hơn)
farming practices and lower crop yields(sản
phẩm thu về ít hơn), making it challenging for
families on tight budgets to make sustainable food
choices.
2. Lack of Knowledge and Awareness
Another major
impediment/obstacles/hurdles/barriers/challenge
s is the general lack of awareness about
sustainable living practices/activities/methods.
Despite growing environmental campaigns, many
individuals still lack essential knowledge about
reducing their ecological footprint/environmental
impact. For example, the concept of “zero waste”
might seem overwhelming to those unfamiliar with
recycling or composting methods (pp tạo phân
hữu cơ). Misconceptions about(hiểu lầm)
sustainability, such as the belief that it requires a
complete lifestyle overhaul(thay đổi cuộc sống
hoàn toàn), further discourage(ngược lại
encourage) adoption (sự áp dụng). Educational
initiatives and accessible information are essential to
bridge this knowledge gap and promote sustainable
behavior.
3. Convenience and Availability
The convenience-driven culture of modern society
poses additional challenges. In many urban areas,
fast fashion, single-use plastics, and disposable
consumer goods are easily accessible and often
more convenient than sustainable alternatives. For
example, opting for(selecting/choosing)
reusable containers may seem inconvenient
compared to grabbing a disposable coffee cup on
the go. Moreover, limited access to sustainable
products in remote or underdeveloped regions
exacerbates the problem, leaving consumers with no
choice but to rely on environmentally harmful
alternatives.
4. Social and Cultural Resistance
Cultural habits and societal norms can also slow
down the adoption of sustainability. In some
societies, consumerism is deeply ingrained, and
owning the latest gadgets, cars, or fashion items
symbolizes success and social status. Sustainable
living, which emphasizes reducing consumption and
reusing products, might conflict with these cultural
expectations, making it socially less desirable.
Overcoming this resistance requires reshaping
societal values through media campaigns and
educational reforms.

Practical Actions Individuals Can Take

1. Waste Reduction Practices
Individuals can make a considerable environmental
impact by adopting waste reduction habits.
Practices like recycling household waste,
composting organic matter(ủ phân hữu cơ), and
reducing single-use plastic usage can substantially
lower landfill contributions. For example, families
can switch to reusable water bottles and cloth(vải)
grocery bags to minimize plastic waste.
Additionally, donating unwanted clothing instead of
discarding/getting rid of it can support a circular
economy while reducing textile waste(rác thải
vải).
2. Energy and Water Conservation
Energy and water conservation(tiết kiệm) are
critical aspects of sustainability. Simple actions such
as turning off lights when not in use, using
energy-efficient appliances, and installing LED
bulbs can lower household energy consumption.
Similarly, water-saving measures like fixing leaky
faucets and using water-efficient showerheads
can help conserve one of the planet's most
precious resources. In countries like Australia,
where droughts are common, widespread adoption
of water-saving practices has made a
measurable/significant/considerable difference in
water conservation efforts.
Immeasurable (Adj) ko sao kể hết/ to lớn
Your tip/trick is immeasurably(very) useful
3. Supporting Sustainable Businesses
Consumers wield significant power in(có ảnh
hưởng quan trọng) driving sustainability through
their purchasing decisions. Supporting companies
that follow environmentally responsible
practices can encourage other businesses to adopt
similar strategies. For instance, purchasing locally
produced goods reduces transportation-related
carbon emissions while boosting local economies.
4. Sustainable Transportation Choices
Transportation is one of the largest contributors to
carbon emissions. Individuals can reduce their
carbon footprint by using public transportation,
carpooling (đi chung xe), cycling, or walking
whenever possible. In cities like Amsterdam, cycling
has become the primary mode of transport,
significantly cutting down urban pollution. Moreover,
electric scooters and ride-sharing apps offer
convenient and sustainable travel options in many
urban centers.
5. Advocating for Policy Changes
Lastly, individuals can amplify their impact by
advocating for environmental policies and
participating in community-driven sustainability
initiatives. Joining local environmental groups,
signing petitions for stricter environmental
regulations, or volunteering for clean-up drives can
foster a collective sense of responsibility. In many
countries, grassroots movements(phong trào địa
phương) have successfully pressured governments
to adopt policies promoting renewable energy and
stricter pollution control.

Conclusion
While the path toward sustainability is fraught with
economic, social, and practical challenges,
individuals can overcome these obstacles through
conscious choices and collective action. From waste
reduction and energy conservation to supporting
eco-friendly businesses and advocating for policy
changes, every small effort counts. A world where
sustainable living becomes the norm is possible
when communities and individuals work together
toward a greener, more sustainable future.
Topic-Specific Vocabulary from the Reading
Passage on Sustainability
1. Environmental Challenges and Barriers
1.Eco-friendly products /ˈiː.kəʊ ˌfrɛn.dli
ˈprɒd.ʌkts/ (adj. + n.)
Sản phẩm thân thiện với môi trường
Example: Consumers are increasingly opting for
eco-friendly products to reduce their carbon
footprint.
2.Carbon emissions /ˈkɑː.bən ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/ (n.)
Khí thải carbon
Example: Reducing carbon emissions is
critical to mitigating climate change.
3.High cost /haɪ kɒst/ (n.)
Chi phí cao
Example: The high cost of installing solar
panels discourages many homeowners.
4.Purchase cost /ˈpɜː.tʃəs kɒst/ (n.)
Chi phí mua sắm
Example: The purchase cost of electric
vehicles remains a barrier for many people.
5.Limited charging infrastructure /ˈlɪm.ɪ.tɪd
ˈtʃɑː.dʒɪŋ ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər/ (n.)
Cơ sở hạ tầng sạc điện hạn chế
Example: A limited charging infrastructure
deters drivers from switching to electric cars.
6.Misconceptions /ˌmɪs.kənˈsep.ʃənz/ (n.)
Hiểu lầm
 Example: There are still many misconceptions
about what sustainable living entails.
7.Convenience-driven culture /kənˈviː.ni.əns
ˈdrɪv.ən ˈkʌl.tʃər/ (n.)
Văn hóa hướng đến sự tiện lợi
Example: The convenience-driven culture
promotes disposable consumer goods.
8.Consumerism /kənˈsjuː.mərˌɪ.zəm/ (n.)
Chủ nghĩa tiêu dùng
Example: Modern consumerism encourages
excessive consumption of goods.

2. Sustainable Actions
9.Waste reduction /weɪst rɪˈdʌk.ʃən/ (n.)
Giảm thiểu rác thải
Example: Recycling and composting are
effective strategies for waste reduction.
10. Recycling household waste /ˌriːˈsaɪ.klɪŋ
ˈhaʊs.həʊld weɪst/ (v. + n.)
Tái chế rác thải sinh hoạt
Example: Many households are recycling
household waste to cut down on landfill
contributions.
11. Composting organic matter /ˈkɒm.pɒstɪŋ
ɔːˈɡæn.ɪk ˈmæt.ər/ (v. + n.)
Ủ phân từ chất hữu cơ
 Example: Composting organic matter
reduces food waste effectively.
12. Energy conservation /ˈen.ə.dʒi ˌkɒn.sə
ˈveɪ.ʃən/ (n.)
Bảo tồn năng lượng
Example: Energy conservation helps reduce
household utility bills.
13. Water-saving measures /ˈwɔː.tə ˈseɪ.vɪŋ
ˈmeʒ.əz/ (n.)
Các biện pháp tiết kiệm nước
Example: Installing low-flow faucets is a simple
water-saving measure.
14. Eco-conscious consumers /ˈiː.kəʊ ˈkɒn.ʃəs
kənˈsjuː.məz/ (n.)
Người tiêu dùng có ý thức về môi trường
Example: Eco-conscious consumers often
choose sustainable brands over conventional
ones.
15. Supporting sustainable businesses /sə
ˈpɔː.tɪŋ səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl ˈbɪz.nɪsɪz/ (v. + n.)
Hỗ trợ các doanh nghiệp bền vững
Example: By supporting sustainable
businesses, consumers can promote
environmentally friendly practices.
16. Sustainable transportation choices /sə
ˈsteɪ.nə.bəl ˌtræn.spɔːˈteɪ.ʃən tʃɔɪ.sɪz/ (n.)
Lựa chọn phương tiện giao thông bền vững
 Example: Cycling and using public transport are
excellent sustainable transportation choices.
17. Advocating for policy changes
/ˈæd.və.keɪ.tɪŋ fɔː ˈpɒl.ɪ.si tʃeɪn.dʒɪz/ (v. + n.)
Vận động thay đổi chính sách
Example: Environmental activists are
advocating for policy changes to combat
climate change.
18. Grassroots movements /ˈɡrɑːs.ruːts
ˈmuːv.mənts/ (n.)
Các phong trào cơ sở
Example: Grassroots movements have
successfully promoted environmental reforms.

3. Environmental and Social Impacts

19. Environmental degradation /ɪnˌvaɪ.rən
ˈmen.təl ˌdeɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/ (n.)
Suy thoái môi trường
Example: Overconsumption of resources leads
to environmental degradation.
20. Global sustainability /ˈɡləʊ.bəl səˌsteɪ.nə
ˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ (n.)
Sự bền vững toàn cầu
Example: Reducing carbon emissions is vital for
achieving global sustainability.
21. Ecological footprint /ˌiː.kəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl
ˈfʊt.prɪnt/ (n.)
Dấu chân sinh thái
Example: Switching to renewable energy can
lower an individual's ecological footprint.
22. Climate change mitigation /ˈklaɪ.mət
tʃeɪndʒ ˌmɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ (n.)
Giảm thiểu biến đổi khí hậu
Example: Governments must prioritize climate
change mitigation strategies.
23. Sustainable future /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl ˈfjuː.tʃər/
(n.)
Tương lai bền vững
Example: Building a sustainable future
requires collaboration from all sectors of society.
In many societies, there is a growing emphasis
on sustainable living and reducing
environmental impact. What are the challenges
of adopting a sustainable lifestyle? What
practical actions can individuals take to
contribute to sustainability?

an eco-friendly lifestyle/ a sustainability-driven

lifestyle : lối sống bền vững, thân thiện với môi
trường.
Your name Your work
Tung Nowadays, in the majority of
societies, more individuals pay
attention to an eco-friendly lifestyle
and diminish/reduce negative
impacts on the environment. While
adopting a sustainable life can be
challenging because of various
obstacles, there are viable actions to
minimize their ecological footprint.

In conclusion, while there are a

number of barriers to move towards
a green lifestyle, taking
aforementioned steps can help
 individuals achieve this goal.

Minh In several societies, more people are

giving their attention to a sustainable
life/ an eco-friendly lifestyle/ a
sustainability-driven lifestyle and
reducing effects on the environment.
While adopting an eco-friendly
lifestyle can be difficult due to
various barriers, there are viable
actions that individuals can take to
minimize their ecological footprint.

In conclusion, while there are a

number of obstacles to a healthy
lifestyle, taking the aforementioned
steps can help individuals achieve
this goal.

Hoan In the current times,

Tuan Today,more and more individuals
are focusing on sustainable living
and reducing negative impacts on
the environment.While adopting an
eco- friendly lifestyle can be difficult
to various barriers,there are viable
measures

Oanh
In many societies, there is a
growing emphasis on sustainable
living and reducing environmental
impact. What are the challenges of
adop ting a sustainable lifestyle?
What practical actions can
individuals take to contribute to
sustainability?
In many communities, they focus on the
growth of sustainable lifestyle and a
decrease in/ decreasing environmental
effects. While there are some struggles
in adopting healthy living, I believe that
individuals can take responsibility for
sustainability by/via(thông qua) different
methods.