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Are You Helping the Environment?

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.

  1. Promptly repair leaky faucets.
  2. Use the microwave as often as possible rather than the stove or the oven.
  3. Buy brands that come in minimal amounts of packaging.
  4. Do not run excess water while washing dishes.
  5. Use paper bags rather than plastic.
  6. Use sponges or dishcloths for spills rather than paper towels.
  7. Recycle newspapers rather than throw them out.
  8. Snip six-pack rings.
  9. Walk or bicycle rather than drive.
  10. Purchase products in the larger sizes.
  11. Preheat your oven for the minimal amount of time necessary.
  12. Turn off water while brushing your teeth.
  13. Do not use a trash compactor.
  14. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables rather than processed foods.
  15. Pull weeds by hand rather than spraying them with chemicals.
  16. Carpool to work.
  17. Limit garbage disposal use as much as possible.
  18. Use canvas or cloth bags for shopping.
  19. Sweep driveways and sidewalks rather than use a hose.
  20. Recycle bottles and jars.
  21. Pick up litter when you see it.
  22. Make note pads out of used office stationery and paper.
  23. Wear clothing that is right for the weather.
  24. Use rechargeable batteries.
  25. Clean the lint screen in the dryer after each load.
  26. Put trash in only one bag (or the fewest needed).
  27. Use refillable containers for household products (such as liquid hand soap).
  28. Keep the water heater at the lowest level needed.
  29. Open blinds and curtains during daylight periods during winter months.
  30. Close blinds and curtains during periods of bright sunshine during summer months.
  31. Turn off lights when you leave a room.
  32. Take quick showers rather than leisurely baths.
  33. Turn off stereos, radios, and televisions when leaving the house.
  34. Turn off the water when washing the car and use a bucket when possible.
  35. Place a brick or a plastic bottle of water inside the toilet storage tank.
  36. Buy laundry detergents that are phosphate-free when other options are available.
  37. Drink "ice water" from the refrigerator rather than tap water to get it cooler.
  38. Run the dishwasher only when full.
  39. Use hairspray in nonaerosol bottles.
  40. Clean and change filters on the furnace and air conditioner regularly.
  41. Keep a reusable mug or cup at the office.
  42. Purchase clothing that can be washed rather than only dry cleaned.
  43. Wash clothing only when dirty.
  44. Close the refrigerator door promptly.
  45. Keep the car properly tuned.
  46. Collect rain water for use in plants and gardens.
  47. Donate outgrown clothing to nonprofit organizations.
  48. Participate in organized cleanup days when they are held in your community.
  49. Replace a conventional shower head with a water-conserving model.
  50. Write elected officials to support environmental legislation.
Interpretation
90-100 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.