Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.
Zero-Waste Living: The Growing Movement Toward a Cleaner Future
Zero-waste living has grown from a small environmental movement into a mainstream lifestyle choice in 2025. More people are trying to cut unnecessary waste by making simple but effective changes, such as refusing single-use items, reusing what they already have, and recycling (18) __________.
The environmental impact of waste remains staggering. Recent research suggests the average person produces about 4.5 pounds of waste each day, (19) __________. These alarming figures have encouraged many individuals and communities to adopt zero-waste habits to shrink their environmental footprint. In response, zero-waste stores—(20) __________—have expanded rapidly in major cities in the United States and Europe.
Beyond environmental benefits, zero-waste living can improve finances and quality of life. Families practicing it (21) __________, making basic cleaning supplies at home, and reducing food waste through better planning. Many also say that consuming less lowers stress and helps them value what they truly need.
However, barriers still limit wider adoption. (22) __________. Upfront costs for alternatives can also be higher, even if they save money over time.
