What do you make of e-waste?

[Newmind]

Hi, I've just seen a TV report on the waste situation in Bangalore, India. Did you know that the life span of PC's is becoming shorter and shorter and that a lot of the computers purchased in industrialized country will eventually end up in India or other Asian countries? There, the poorest of the poor are trying to make some money by extracting the valuable materials such as gold or other metals. Those people are exposed to highly poisonous substances every day and many of them are facing huge health risks. Why I'm saying all this? Well, it would make sense to think of ways how we can improve this situation - after all it affects all of us in some way or another. Any opinions?

[Torsten]

Hi Newmind, why would you say that the life span of computers is becoming shorter and shorter? Maybe, it's the other way round? As for me, I have been using my current machine for quite some time because it's functionality is absolutely sufficient for my purposes. Most of time I type or read texts. Why should I buy a new computer? And if I buy a new PC I will take the old one to a shop the owner of which is going to sell the spare parts to his customers. And he that shop is around the corner and not in Asia.

TOEIC listening, question-response: What time is your appointment with Ms. Johnston?