To speak about things now and in the past, you need the appropriate vocabulary.
century — століття
original — оригінальний
tough — важкий
without — без
electricity — електрика
telephone — телефон
washing machine — пральна машина
coach — карета, екіпаж
clean river — чиста річка
pollution — забруднення
pure — чистий
Examples:
Many years ago people didn't have washing machines.
The rivers were clean and the air was pure.
Джерела:
http://www.crafthubs.com/