Unit 2

Word

Definition

Example

disposing of products

The act of getting rid of or managing the removal of goods or items

Many people are not properly disposing of products, contributing to environmental issues

planned obsolescence

The intentional design of products to have a limited lifespan, encouraging consumers to replace them with newer models

Planned obsolescence is a strategy where products are designed to become obsolete quickly

using a landfill

Disposing of waste materials by burying them in designated areas, often causing environmental concerns

Instead of using a landfill, we should explore more sustainable waste management options

manufacturer

A company or entity that produces goods or products

The manufacturer is responsible for producing the goods and ensuring their quality

throwaway culture

A societal mindset that encourages the frequent disposal of items rather than their repair or reuse

Our society's throwaway culture leads to excessive waste generation

circular economy

An economic system that promotes the continual use, recycling, and repurposing of resources to minimize waste

The circular economy aims to reduce waste by reusing and recycling materials

forward-thinking

Having a progressive and innovative approach to addressing challenges or opportunities

Forward-thinking companies anticipate future needs and trends

salvage

To recover or save something from damage, loss, or destruction

We can salvage valuable materials from discarded items

feed back into

To reintroduce or redirect resources or materials into a system or process

The goal is to recycle materials and feed them back into the production cycle

modular

Made up of separate, interchangeable components or modules

The product is designed with a modular approach, making repairs easier

from the outset

From the very beginning or start of a project or process

We considered sustainability from the outset of the project

commodity

A raw material or product that can be bought and sold, often without significant differentiation

Oil has become a valuable commodity in today's economy

waste stream

The flow or pathway of waste materials generated in a specific process or system

Proper waste management can minimize the impact of the waste stream

dispose of

To get rid of or eliminate something in an appropriate manner

It's important to dispose of hazardous materials properly

embrace

To accept or adopt a new idea, practice, or concept willingly

Businesses should embrace sustainable practices to protect the environment

recycling plants

Facilities where waste materials are processed and converted into reusable materials

Recycling plants play a crucial role in reducing waste

self-healing plastic

A type of plastic material that can repair itself when damaged

Self-healing plastic is a material that can repair itself when damaged

drive innovation

To actively promote or stimulate the development of new ideas or improvements

Innovation is driven by the desire to create new and improved products

precious metals

Rare and valuable metals such as gold, silver, and platinum

Electronic devices contain precious metals that can be recycled

issue-orientated features

Characteristics or aspects of a product or service that address specific problems or concerns

The product includes issue-orientated features to address specific problems

contemporary

Relating to the present time or current trends and styles

The design has a contemporary look and feel

target audience

The specific group of people a product, message, or content is intended for

The marketing campaign is tailored to the target audience's preferences

embedded content

Content, such as videos or links, that is integrated into a webpage or document

The app has embedded content to enhance user experience

briefly mention

To mention something briefly or in a concise manner

Let me briefly mention the main points of the presentation

on a daily basis

Occurring or happening every day

She practices mindfulness on a daily basis

undivided attention

Complete and focused attention without distractions

The speaker commanded the audience's undivided attention

get the wrong end of the stick

To misunderstand a situation or message

Geoff had got the wrong end of the stick, and thought I was angry with him

in layman's terms

In simple and easy-to-understand language

The report was written in layman's terms

chuck something out

To throw something away or discard it

It was broken so I chucked it out

dumb something down

To simplify or make something less complex or technical for easier understanding

Have history textbooks been dumbed down over the past decade?

be on the same page

To have a shared understanding or agreement on a particular topic

We need to get environmentalists and businesses on the same page to improve things

clarify

To make something clear or understandable by providing additional information or explanation

Please don't hesitate to clarify any confusing points

agenda items

Specific topics or issues to be discussed during a meeting or event

The meeting's agenda items cover budget, projects, and updates

attendees

Individuals who participate in or attend a meeting, event, or gathering

The conference attendees discussed various solutions to the problem

be in the chair

To be the person responsible for presiding over a meeting or event

The project manager will be in the chair for the next meeting

cost overruns

Exceeding the planned budget or expenses for a project or activity

The construction project experienced cost overruns due to unexpected challenges

milestone

A significant and noteworthy achievement or point of progress

Completing the prototype marks a significant milestone in development

matters arising

Issues or topics that have come up for discussion or consideration

Are there any matters arising from the last meeting that need attention?