Test your GQ

Test your GQ (Green Quotient)
Just how Green are you?

It's only 13 questions. It won't take long. Write down your answers and check them and see how you scored at the end.
Good Luck!

1. By letting the water run while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing dishes how much water is wasted?

A. 1-2 gallons a minute.

B. 3-5 gallons a minute.

C. 6-7 gallons a minute.

2. The average American generates 1,700 pounds of trash a year. How much of that trash could be recycled?

A. 35%

B. 50%

C. 75%

3. Even when powered off many home electronics still consume electricity. How much of our home energy use is consumed by products that are turned off?

A. 25%

B. 40%

C. 60%

4. What is the most common Greenhouse gas emitted from human activities?

A. Nitrous oxide

B. Carbon dioxide

C. Methane

D. Oxygen

5. In which of the following ways do people increase the concentration of Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

A. Cutting down trees

B. Driving gasoline-powered automobiles

C. Burning coal to create electricity

D. All of the above

6. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, transportation accounts for more than 65 percent of the oil we consume in the United States and more than we produce. Today, our country imports more than 58 percent of its oil supply, and imports are expected to reach what percent over the next two decades?

A. 65%

B. 70%

C. 85%

7. Greenhouse gases cause Global Warming by

A. Absorbing and reradiating heat from infrared rays

B. Causing the atmosphere to catch fire

C. Absorbing the water in the atmosphere

D. Reflecting solar rays

8. The largest manmade structure in the world is...

A. The Empire State Building

B. The Eiffel Tower

C. a landfill

9. In the United States alone 100 billion plastic shopping bags are manufactured each year. That takes energy and therefore, oil. How much oil is used to make this product?

A. 1 million barrels of oil.

B. 6 million barrels of oil.

C. 12 million barrels of oil.

10. The middle of the pacific ocean is six times more abundant with plastic waste than...

A. Oil

B. Zooplankton

C. Sunken ships

11. Greenhouse gases in the air are always bad for humans and the environment.

True

False

12. The United States consumes almost 9 million barrels of gasoline daily – what percent of total global daily gasoline consumption is that?

A. 25%

B. 44%

C. 57%

13. According to estimates from the Energy Information Administration, in just two decades U.S. energy consumption will increase by what amount?

A. One quarter.

B. One third.

C. Three quarters.

1. B

By letting the water run while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing dishes you can waste 3 to 5 gallons a minute. That adds up to about 20,000 wasted gallons a year in your home.

2. C

75 percent of what is dumped could be recycled.

3. B

In the average home, 40% of all electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. Across the US, this equals the annual output of 17 power plants. Many idle electronics – TVs, VCRs, DVD and CD players, cordless phones, microwaves – use energy even when switched off to keep display clocks lit and memory chips and remote controls working. Nationally, these energy “vampires” use 5 percent of our domestic energy and cost consumers more than $8 billion annually ( Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory).

4. B

Carbon dioxide

5. D

All of the above

6. B

Imports are expected to reach 70 percent over the next two decades.

7. A

Absorbing and reradiating heat from infrared rays.

8. C

A landfill

9. C

12 million barrels of oil are used each year to manufacture 100 billion plastic shopping bags in the United States. Paper bags aren't much better for the earth. Use canvas or string.

10. B

Zooplankton

11. False

12. B

44%

13. B

U.S. energy consumption will increase by about one third – roughly equivalent to the energy consumption of Texas, California, Florida, New York, and Michigan combined.

So, how did you do?

10 – 13 right

Congratulations! A great GQ! You are doing well. You are up on environmental issues and are aware of our impact on the Earth. Good for you! You're a real Earth Council member. Stay educated.

7 - 9 right

A moderate GQ. You are aware of some of the issues and our impacts on the Earth. You are a member of Earth's Council but not fully in the game. Read up and stay more aware. Keep visiting our site.

6 or less

Your GQ needs help. You need to be more aware of the impacts you and the rest of us have on the Earth and its’ inhabitants. Get with the program and be a real member of the Earth Council. You are a member only when you are aware and participate in a kinder gentler life on our planet. You need to read up more on the environment and find out what you can do to be a better neighbor to the Earth’s residents. Sign up for our newsletter and stay informed.

Whatever your score there is always room for improvement. See our tips and ideas for Living a Green Lifestyle.