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.

   Whether you're meeting a customer for the first time or interviewing potential new employees, making a great first impression is important.

Research suggests that fairly _______ first impressions are made as soon as within one-tenth of a second of meeting someone. Then how do you _______ you come across well?Apart from the _______ practice - dress smartly, shake hands firmly, make eye contact, you can do _______ to make sure you make a good first impression.

Making a good first impression will be a lot _______ if you understand what exactly a good first impression involves. Edwards, CEO of Science of People,suggests becoming _______ of how you want to be sensed before the meeting. “ _______ you get ready, think about what kind of people you want to _______ and what kind of interactions you want to have. ”

Add value to the _______ . If you don't have anything interesting to say, perhaps you can ________ not to say anything. Sally, the author of How The World Sees You, stresses why you need to ________ value to the conversation. ” You want your listeners to ________ the conversation feeling good about their investment（投入）of time and ________ . What can you ________ to the discussion? For example, has your  team recently learned a new ________ to connect via a conference call,or attract new customers? If you're not adding value ,you're just ________ time. ”

Forget about your personal schedule. It's going to be difficult to make a good impression if you're ________ in some personal schedule. Andrew, Director of Business Development, ________ dropping your personal schedule and ________ , being friendly and honest with the people who may be able to help  each other. Generosity is an attractive ________ and it's something special that people will remember about you.

Reducing Test Anxiety

Test anxiety arises when a student excessively worries about doing badly in a test. This can become a major hindrance (造成妨碍的事物) to test performance and cause extreme nervousness and memory problems among other symptoms. 【小题1】

Think positively. Scientific research has shown that our expectations can affect our performance. 【小题2】However, if you expect that you’ll do poorly, studying may not be enough to help you perform well. Therefore, it is a wise choice to think positively.

【小题3】 Fear releases adrenaline (肾上腺素) , preparing the body to deal with danger. Your heart rate and breathing speed up and you may feel shaky, sweaty, or dizzy. Anything you can do to reduce these physical reactions will help you think more clearly and feel more confident.

Eat before the test. Don’t skip breakfast to study. 【小题4】 Choose protein-filled snacks and avoid sugar, which can give you quick energy that may run out in the middle of the test. Eat something even if you feel sick—try crackers or toast to settle your stomach. Avoid caffeine and energy drinks, which can increase anxiety.

Get a good night’s sleep before the test. Studies have shown that you will do well in the test if you get enough sleep. 【小题5】 If the test is later in the day or the evening, or if you just couldn’t get a full night’s sleep, take a nap. Research has shown that a short nap—less than an hour—can improve alertness, memory, creativity,  productivity, and moods, and can decrease stress.