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Burning plastic as home fuel in low‑income cities (Level A1) — a pile of trash

Burning plastic as home fuel in low‑income citiesCEFR A1

13 Jan 2026

Adapted from Mohammed El-Said, SciDev CC BY 2.0

Photo by Hush Naidoo Jade Photography, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
76 words
  • People in some poor city neighborhoods burn plastic.
  • They burn plastic bottles and plastic bags.
  • Burning often happens inside people’s small homes.
  • Waste collection is not regular in many areas.
  • Gas and electricity are often too expensive.
  • Firewood and charcoal can be hard to get.
  • Burning plastic makes smoke and toxic ash.
  • Children and families breathe the smoke every day.
  • People want better trash service and clean fuel.
  • Experts say better waste systems and energy help.

Difficult words

  • burnto use fire and make something hot
    Burning
  • plastica light material made from chemicals
  • wasteeveryday things people throw away
  • toxicharmful for people and animals
  • ashthe grey powder left after a fire
  • fuela material used to make heat or energy

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Do you have regular trash collection where you live?
  • Is gas or electricity expensive where you live?
  • Do you worry about smoke at home?

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