AUDIO PART B3

Summary

The transcript features two discussions: one on the environmental hazards of electronic waste, particularly old computer and television monitors containing harmful lead in cathode ray tubes (CRTs), and the other on culture shock experienced when moving to an unfamiliar culture. The first conversation highlights the environmental dangers of CRTs and the difficulty in recycling old monitors due to the lack of proper facilities. The second discussion explains culture shock, its causes, and its impact on people when adapting to new environments. The students engage in these topics, offering insights on recycling and the emotional challenges of cultural adaptation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The class is discussing hazardous waste, specifically the environmental impact of old computer and TV monitors.
• 😀 CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors contain lead, which can leak into groundwater when disposed of improperly.
• 😀 Lead is used in CRTs to shield users from harmful x-rays, and there are no known alternatives yet.
• 😀 Over the past 20 years, the increase in household TVs and computers has led to a rise in e-waste concerns.
• 😀 Many people discard old monitors and TVs to keep up with new technology like flat-screen and plasma TVs.
• 😀 Unlike paper and plastic, old monitors cannot be easily recycled because proper recycling services are scarce.
• 😀 Some companies are storing old monitors in warehouses while waiting for better recycling solutions.
• 😀 The next topic for the class is a film on landfill solutions and recycling through innovative means.
• 😀 The class then shifts to discussing culture shock, which is the discomfort of moving from a familiar culture to an unfamiliar one.
• 😀 Culture shock can be caused by new environments, meeting new people, and adjusting to unfamiliar cultural norms.
• 😀 People who experience culture shock may miss familiar sights, sounds, and people, which can lead to emotional discomfort.

Q & A

What is the primary reason why some states are making it illegal to dump old computer and TV monitors in regular landfills?

The primary reason is the lead content in the cathode ray tubes (CRTs) inside the monitors. Lead can leak into the groundwater, posing a threat to the environment.

What role does lead play in the construction of CRT monitors?

Lead is used in CRTs to shield the viewer from harmful x-rays. It serves as a protective barrier to reduce radiation exposure.

Why is the issue of hazardous waste related to old monitors becoming more concerning in recent years?

The issue has become more concerning because nearly every household in the U.S. owns a television, and many people are discarding their old monitors in favor of newer technology like flat-screen LCD monitors.

Why can't old computer and TV monitors be easily recycled, according to the conversation?

Monitors cannot be easily recycled because, unlike materials like paper and plastics, there are no widespread services for recycling CRTs. Companies are often storing old monitors in warehouses until a better solution is found.

What does Lisa mention as a reason for people discarding their old TVs and monitors?

Lisa mentions that people are discarding their old TVs and monitors to keep up with new technology, such as the digital age and the trend toward flat-screen LCD and plasma TVs.

What is the next topic the class will study after discussing hazardous waste and monitors?

The class will watch a film titled 'Landfill Solutions,' which explores innovative recycling methods for various products.

What is culture shock, as discussed in the conversation between the teacher and student?

Culture shock refers to the emotional and psychological impact that occurs when someone moves from a familiar culture to an unfamiliar one. It often happens when people travel, live, or work abroad.

What causes culture shock according to the conversation?

Culture shock is caused by the shock of adapting to a new environment, meeting new people, learning the customs of a different country, and being separated from familiar support networks such as family and friends.

How does the teacher describe the impact of culture shock on small things when someone is jet-lagged?

The teacher explains that when someone is tired and jet-lagged, small things that wouldn’t normally be upsetting can seem exaggerated and out of proportion to their real significance.

What type of people experience culture shock, according to the teacher?

Culture shock is experienced by people who travel abroad for work, study, or leisure, as well as by those who move to a new country and have to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings and customs.