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Washing machines are one of the greatest inventions of the last few centuries.They have made life easier. Unfortunately, washing machines also contribute to the environmental issues of energy use and micro-plastics flowing into the oceans. That is why the washing machine manufacturer(制造商), Samsung, and the outdoor-wear company, Patagonia, are working together to make a change.

For Patagonia, the issue of micro-plastics has been on its mind for years—its woolen jackets release many microfibers. As for Samsung, new requirements throughout the world have forced many producers to start thinking about ways to help reduce the number of micro-plastics. There are currently more than 14 million tons of micro-plastics floating in the oceans. Though people previously think of things such as plastic bottles and fishing lines when it comes to plastics in the ocean, thousands of micro-plastics are released into seas with every wash.

The issue is a sort of catch-22. In order to reduce energy costs, manufacturers try to make their machines more efficient. These machines use hotter water and are designed to create more friction(摩擦) between the clothing in the machine. However, both of these things lead to the release of more micro-plastics. So, using Patagonia clothes as test cases, Samsung came up with a two-fold solution: One is a technology called Eco-bubbles, which creates more bubbles to make the detergent(洗涤剂) more powerful, and the other is a water purifier that can filter(过滤) out more micro-plastics.

The cooperation between the two companies is proof of how complicated protecting the environment can be. On the one hand, clothing that is well-constructed and durable is a weapon in the fight against fast fashion. On the other hand, the material used to make those clothes and the way they are washed can also add pollutants to the environment.The same goes for washing machines. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The fight against climate change requires creative thinking and learning how to attack a problem from many angles. This will certainly lead to even more strange and fruitful cooperation between the environmentally conscious companies.

1．What is Samsung’s purpose in partnering the outdoor clothing company?

A．To limit the use of micro-plastics.

B．To solve the issue of energy waste.

C．To find a solution to micro-plastic pollution.

D．To produce high-efficiency washing machines.

2．What does the underlined word “catch-22” in paragraph 3 refer to?

A．A tricky situation.	B．A questionable fact.
C．A possible dream.	D．A practical method.

3．Which of the following will reduce the release of micro-plastics during washing?

A．Using hotter water.

B．Creating more friction.

C．Using powerful detergents.

D．Adding a water purifier to washing machines.

4．What does the cooperation between the two companies show?

A．The difficulty in fighting against fast fashion.

B．The complexity of environment conservation.

C．The influence of humans’ active action.

D．The importance of creative thinking.