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Save the environment quiz

Land waste, air pollution, water pollution and climate change: Environmental issues affect the earth, air and sea every day. Test your green smarts and empower yourself to protect the environment.

By Vickie Reichardt

ANSWERS
1. b) The average home loses 30 per cent or more of its heat through cracks, gaps and unsealed openings, which would add up to a "hole" about 2.3 square feet in size if measured together.

2. d) At a rate of approximately 2 mL/minute, the average leaky faucet would waste an astounding 1,037 L of water in one year.

3. a) Water your lawn first thing in the morning, before the sun has begun to heat the ground (which increases evaporation). Using a rotary sprinkler disperses the water in large, fat drops that soak the lawn, resulting in a deeper root system and stronger grass.

4. c) According to Hydro One, glass or ceramic bakeware transfers heat better than other materials, allowing food to be cooked at lower temperatures and reducing the amount of energy you'll need from your oven.

5. d) Change furnace filters every couple of months to boost efficiency. Replace older furnaces -- newer models are up to 98 per cent more efficient than those that are 10 years old or older. Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to pre-set temperatures for different times in the day, lowering the temperature at night or when you're not home.

6. a) Composting reduces household waste and turns it into food for your lawn and garden. A wide variety of organic waste can be composted, including fruits, vegetables, plant trimmings, coffee and tea, dryer lint and thin layers of sawdust.

Things to keep out of a composter include:
-meat
-dairy
-fat-based products, like peanut butter

These items attract unwanted pests, and can slow the composting process.

7. b) Approximately 54 per cent of the energy an average home consumes goes towards heating or cooling. Hot water comes in second at 20 per cent, followed by appliances (18 per cent) and lighting (5 per cent).

8. d) Shoppers around the world use 500 billion to one trillion plastic bags in a year. Unfortunately for the environment, these non-biodegradable bags clog waterways and landfills, and are often ingested by animals or sea creatures.

9. c) By "precycling" and making smart choices when you shop, you can reduce the amount of waste you generate. Choose products with minimal packaging, and ones that are rechargeable, refillable and durable rather than disposable.

10. c) According to Canada's Ministry of Natural Resources, the nation would save $73 million a year in energy costs, and more than 400,000 tonnes of greenhouse-gas emissions, if every household swapped out just one light bulb.

Find out how to save money and the environment today!

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