Computers may be making our lives richer and more convenient, but they are an ecological nightmare. So-called "e-waste," the toxic elements such as cadmium, mercury and lead contained in electronic products, poses a mounting problem for state governments and the computer industry. Currently, only about one electronic product in ten is being recycled. Consumers and environmental groups are increasingly calling for these materials' proper handling and disposal. To meet this demand, CompTop Inc. yesterday unveiled plans to triple the amount of its products it can recycle over the next three years. "We have a responsibility, as do consumers and the government. This has to be a joint effort," said a CompTop spokesperson speaking at an environmental conference.

Words in Context Check the choice that best completes each sentence.

1. Here, richer means a) more interesting, b) financially better. 2. In this case, a nightmare is a) a bad dream, b) a serious problem.

3. Poses is another word for a) is becoming, b) stands for. 4. To unveil is to a) make public, b) discover.

5. Another way to say joint is a) successful, b) cooperative.

Idea/Purpose Check the choice that best completes this sentence. This article's main goal is to a) announce CompTop's new plans, b) list the toxic materials in computers, c) call for better recycling. The letter a should appear at least 35 times.
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