How many ways can you help the environment? Give yourself 2 points for each of the following that you do regularly, 1 point for each that you do occasionally, and a 0 for those that you do not do. Total your points and compare your score with those that follow the assessment. - Promptly repair leaky faucets.
- Use the microwave as often as possible rather than the stove or the oven.
- Buy brands that come in minimal amounts of packaging.
- Do not run excess water while washing dishes.
- Use paper bags rather than plastic.
- Use sponges or dishcloths for spills rather than paper towels.
- Recycle newspapers rather than throw them out.
- Snip six-pack rings.
- Walk or bicycle rather than drive.
- Purchase products in the larger sizes.
- Preheat your oven for the minimal amount of time necessary.
- Turn off water while brushing your teeth.
- Do not use a trash compactor.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables rather than processed foods.
- Pull weeds by hand rather than spraying them with chemicals.
- Carpool to work.
- Limit garbage disposal use as much as possible.
- Use canvas or cloth bags for shopping.
- Sweep driveways and sidewalks rather than use a hose.
- Recycle bottles and jars.
- Pick up litter when you see it.
- Make note pads out of used office stationery and paper.
- Wear clothing that is right for the weather.
- Use rechargeable batteries.
- Clean the lint screen in the dryer after each load.
- Put trash in only one bag (or the fewest needed).
- Use refillable containers for household products (such as liquid hand soap).
- Keep the water heater at the lowest level needed.
- Open blinds and curtains during daylight periods during winter months.
- Close blinds and curtains during periods of bright sunshine during summer months.
- Turn off lights when you leave a room.
- Take quick showers rather than leisurely baths.
- Turn off stereos, radios, and televisions when leaving the house.
- Turn off the water when washing the car and use a bucket when possible.
- Place a brick or a plastic bottle of water inside the toilet storage tank.
- Buy laundry detergents that are phosphate-free when other options are available.
- Drink "ice water" from the refrigerator rather than tap water to get it cooler.
- Run the dishwasher only when full.
- Use hairspray in nonaerosol bottles.
- Clean and change filters on the furnace and air conditioner regularly.
- Keep a reusable mug or cup at the office.
- Purchase clothing that can be washed rather than only dry cleaned.
- Wash clothing only when dirty.
- Close the refrigerator door promptly.
- Keep the car properly tuned.
- Collect rain water for use in plants and gardens.
- Donate outgrown clothing to nonprofit organizations.
- Participate in organized cleanup days when they are held in your community.
- Replace a conventional shower head with a water-conserving model.
- Write elected officials to support environmental legislation.
Interpretation90-100 points: |
Your conservation efforts are in superior range. Keep up the excellent work! | 80-89 points: |
You are clearly above average and should also be congratulated! | 70-79 points: |
Although your score is average, your efforts at conserving the environment are important contributions to the total effort. Keep up the good work and look for additional ways to conserve. | 60-69 points: |
Your score is passing but below average. Try to find more ways to help the environment. You have room for improvement. | 59 and below: |
Time has not run out! You can still earn a passing grade but you need to follow the suggestions in this assessment and chapter to help the environment. |
To Carry This Further Share these suggestions, or any others that you find useful, with family, friends, classmates, and other associates as a means of further helping our environment. |