5月1日開始實施
Steve: Hi Helen, your usual bubble tea?
史蒂夫：嗨，海倫，一樣點珍珠奶茶嗎？
usual (adj.)通常的 (n.)常喝的飲料
Helen: Yes, please.
海倫：是的，謝謝。
Steve: Did you hear the news about New Taipei City banning plastic cups that can only be used once starting from May?
史蒂夫：你有聽說新北市從五月開始禁止使用一次性塑膠杯的消息嗎？
Helen: No, I didn’t. That’s a good thing, isn’t it?
海倫：沒有，這是一件好事，不是嗎？
Steve: Yes, it’s to reduce plastic waste. From May 1, shops like mine won’t be able to provide plastic cups that you can’t use again, even the ones that are said to break down naturally.
史蒂夫：是的，這是為了減少塑膠垃圾。從5月1日開始，像我這樣的飲料店將無法提供那些不能重複使用的塑膠杯，即使是那些聲稱可以自然分解的杯子也不行。
reduce (v.)減少waste (n.)垃圾、廢物break down （物質）分解
Helen: Wow, that’s a big change. What should you do with the extra plastic cups you have?
海倫：哇，那是一個很大的變化。你們該怎麼處理多餘的塑膠杯呢？
extra (adj.)多餘的
Steve: We were told about the rule last year, so we were asked to use up the plastic cups we have left and start buying paper cups instead. It’s a bit more expensive, but it’s worth it.
史蒂夫：去年我們就已經被告知這個規定了，所以我們被要求用完剩下的塑膠杯，並開始購買紙杯。會稍微貴一些，但是值得。
use up 用完、用盡be worth it （某事或某人）是值得的
Helen: I agree. It’s good to see that the city is taking steps to protect the environment. Do you think other cities will follow suit?
海倫：我同意。很高興看到這個城市正在採取行動保護環境。你覺得其他城市會跟進嗎？
take steps 採取行動=take actionfollow suit 跟風、效法
Steve: Actually, Taipei has already taken a similar action last year. Hopefully, more cities will do the same. But remember, there will be a fine for shops that break the rule.
史蒂夫：事實上，台北去年已經採取了類似的行動。希望更多的城市也能這樣做。但要記住，違反規定的商店將會被罰款。
similar (adj.)類似的fine (n.)罰款、罰金
Helen: I see. Thanks for letting me know, Steve.
海倫：我明白了。謝謝你告訴我，史蒂夫。
Steve: No problem, Helen. Here’s your bubble tea, and remember to put the cup in the recycling bin after you finish it!
史蒂夫：沒問題，海倫。這是你的珍珠奶茶，喝完之後記得把杯子放進回收桶裡！
recycle (v.)回收trash can 垃圾桶