I think it's important to express our feelings. If we don't talk to our friends when we're sad, they won't know how we feel and we will have to deal with the difficulties ourselves.

We should talk to our friends, parents or teachers when we are down. I'm sure they will listen to us and help us.

Vijay Varma, California School

Adopt better TV-dumping habits

The launch of digital broadcasting in Hong Kong is said to bring a new era in domestic broadcasting services.

Traditional reception problems such as 'ghosts' or 'snow' will not exist anymore. With the promised excellent reception and high quality surround sound, Hongkongers can turn their home into a

mini-theatre.

But the need for new TVs means thousands of old sets are going to landfill sites.

According to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), Hong Kong households throw away more than 1.5 million computers and units of electrical and electronic equipment every year. Switching from analogue to digital TVs will put tremendous pressure on our landfills.

Worse still, many developed countries have illegally dumped electronic waste in developing countries for a long time. People dig through the waste and extract metals from the computer chips without protective measures. They burn the plastic insulation of wires to get the copper they can sell.

This poses serious potential hazards to their health.

We enjoy a high quality of life while on the other side of the world, people are risking their health and safety taking apart our waste.

Recycling is a better option. Don't just throw away old TV sets that still work. There are needy people who seldom experience the pleasure of watching TV.

Last but not least, we should buy new electric goods only when we absolutely need to. That's the best and most effective way to reduce waste.

Darlie Yiu, Christian Alliance S.C. Chan Memorial College

It's never too late

I read 'It's never too late to start working hard: high-flyers' (Young Post, July 1). I absolutely agree with that statement.

I have been a student for almost 15 years.

My experience has taught me that determination is a prerequisite for getting good results. If you are absolutely determined to improve your academic performance or to tackle any other task, you are halfway to success.

I read another story a few years ago about a Form Seven student who only got 15 marks in the HKCEE, but managed to score five As in the A-levels. He emphasised the importance of determination and self-discipline when studying.

I believe that if you are willing to change, success is never far away.

I hope this letter can encourage those who did not perform well in their last exam.

Vicky Chan Wing-ki

Alternative fuel

Foreign companies are planning to set up biofuel plants in Hong Kong with used cooking oil as the raw material.

I think it's great used cooking oil can be reused in such a practical way.

Some people in the US have suggested corn be used to generate biofuel. But corn is a major food source for many, especially in poor nations. People need to eat more than they need to create electricity.

On the other hand, Hong Kong cooks a lot, so has a lot of used cooking oil. It could be an environmentally friendly solution to the energy crisis.

The only problem is that establishing a plant is a long, complicated process. It takes several years to apply for licences, and two or three years before any profit is made.

I hope firms aren't put off by time and money constraints: the health of the Earth is the most important consideration.

Catherine Lai, Kit Sam Lam Bing Yim Secondary School

Hang on to life

Flipping through the newspapers, it seems there are more and more cases of suicide.

Life is unpredictable but it should always be treasured. Why can't people look positively at their situation? Facing difficulties helps us grow. If we don't experience sadness, how can we appreciate happiness?

Students often struggle to keep up with the syllabus. But when we're stressed, we should take a break and think about how to solve our problems.

There's no shame in asking parents and teachers for help. If we ask for help when we are young, we'll know how to solve problems when we're older.

Nothing is so bad that the only way out is suicide. Talk to your friends, parents and teachers if you are depressed.

Melody Chan

Students and rules

A survey found that school rules on mobile phone use, hairstyles and clothing are the least popular with students, and more than 60 per cent of students have broken rules at least once.

School is a microcosm of society. School rules are comparable to laws. School is not just for learning knowledge, but also discipline.

Although some school rules may seem unreasonable, we need to abide by them.

Besides, a good school will consider students' comments on 'unfair' rules. If we don't obey rules, society will fall apart.

Dick Lee, TWGHs Lui Yun Choy Memorial College