In the United States alone,over 100 million cell-phones are thrown away each year.Cell-phones are part of a growing mountain of electronic waste like computers and personal digital assistants.The electronic waste stream is increasing three times taster than traditional garbage as a whole.

Electronic devices contain valuable metals such as gold and silver.A Swiss study reported that while the weight of electronic goods represented by precious metals was relatively small in comparison to total waste,the concentration（含量）of gold and other precious metals was higher in So-called e-waste than in naturally occurring minerals.

Electronic wastes also contain many poisonous metals.Even when the machines are recycled and the harmful metals removed,the recycling process often is carried out in poor countries,in practically uncontrolled ways which allow many poisonous substances to escape into the environment.

Creating products out of raw materials creates much more waste material,up to 100 times more,than the material contained in the finished products.Consider again the cell-phone,and imagine the mines that produced those metals,the factories needed to make the box and packaging（包装）it came in.Many wastes produced in the producing process are harmful as well.

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency notes that most waste is dangerous in that"the production, distribution,and use of products-as well as management of the resulting waste-all result in greenhouse gas release." Individuals can reduce their contribution by creating less waste at the start-for instance,buying reusable products and recycling.

In many countries the concept of extended producer responsibility is being considered or has been put in place as an incentive（动机）for reducing waste.If producers are required to take back packaging they use to sell their products,would they reduce the packaging in the first place?

Governments' incentive to require producers to take responsibility for the packaging they produce is usually based on money.Why,they ask,should cities or towns be responsible for paying to deal with the bubble wrap（气泡垫）that encased your television?

From the governments' point of view,a primary goal of laws requiring extended producer responsibility is to transfer both the costs and the physical responsibility of waste management from the government and tax-payers back to the producers.

Four Ways to Make Your Shoes Feel Better

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, the vast majority of people experience foot pain at some point in their lives. The reason for most foot pain is that shoes fit poorly or force the feet into unnatural shapes. 【小题1】 Aside from carefully selecting the right shoes, there are some easy measures you can take to keep your feet from being painful.

1. Stretching Your Shoes

If your feet are rubbing against your shoes this could indicate that you need more width, length or both. However, sometimes going to the next larger size is not a choice, as the next size may be too large. 【小题2】.

2. Using Shoe Inserts (插入物)

Both doctors and those in the shoe repair industry often recommend inserts to increase shoe comfort. 【小题3】.

3. 【小题4】

The way you lace (由带子系紧) your shoes can make a world of difference in their comfort. Lacing them too tightly or incorrectly can make your feet hurt. Cramped toes, rubbing on the top of the foot, and pressure on the big toe can likely be relieved if you lace your shoes different.

4. Wearing Socks

【小题5】.They are usually made of cotton or nylon. Not only do they add an extra layer of cushion to your shoes but they also keep your feet from sweating. This prevents moisture (水汽) from forming in the shoe. Moisture in your shoes can cause blisters and calluses on your feet.

   Nowadays it is necessary to be reasonable and flexible enough to avoid conflicts as much as possible and live in peace with others. 【小题1】 If you have done all your best to avoid conflicts but you are still arguing, then read these effective tips on how to avoid conflicts.

1. Don’t get in the center of the conflict.

Sometimes people can get in the center of conflicts because they want to help. Frankly speaking, it is very risky, because it can make you the main figure of the conflict. 【小题2】 You should focus on your own life issues.

2. Be kind.

【小题3】 Life is full of conflicts and disagreements, and that’s why you should find more conservative ways of dealing with them. For example, kindness can lessen the conflict.

3. Try to be a peacekeeper.

Peacekeepers tend to cooperate with people without bad emotions which usually lead to arguments and even conflicts. “【小题4】” This saying is the life motto of a natural born peacekeeper. Don’t worry if you are not a natural born peacekeeper. You can gain this skill during life.

4. Walk off.

When the conflict is gathering pace and you can’t manage to keep yourself, you should choose to handle the situation in another way. By all means, try to keep yourself away from stress. 【小题5】 You should get away from the situation for a while.

   As we “happen to be” the best creature in the world, it’s our duty to look after other species (物种)．Here are some points which might help to protect wildlife.

Join organizations like Greenpeace and World Wildlife Fund.They have devoted themselves to protecting the earth and its animals.Many volunteers join organizations like these and work for the environment.【小题1】

【小题2】 Don’t buy something made from ivory (象牙) and things like this.Baby seals (海豹)  are hunted for their skin, as it is used to make expensive coats.Don’t buy them.

【小题3】 You can write a heartfelt and logical (合理的) letter to the government stating your ideas about this problem and how it can be solved.

Recycle (回收利用) and reuse.It will reduce the need to have more raw materials to produce something.【小题4】  And wild animals’ home will not be destroyed.

Governments should create more safe zones and national parks for wild animals.【小题5】 Governments should apply strict laws to stop hunting.

I hope this post was helpful.Share your views about this issue and let your voice be heard.