Quiz: How Green is Your Life?

With constant warnings about climate change, global warning and the depletion of natural resources, virtually everyone is now aware that we need to live a greener lifestyle.

And while using a jute bag instead of plastic carrier bags when you go shopping once a week is a small step in the right direction, it certainly isn't enough if you want to make a real difference and do your bit for the environment.

So, are you really adopting a more eco-friendly lifestyle – or just paying lip service to the idea?

Take our Twenty Questions Green Quiz to find out just how far up the environmental ladder you’ve climbed ….

Questionnaire Answer each question with your hand on your heart by choosing an option a) never; b) sometimes; c) always

1. Do you switch off the light whenever you’re the last to leave a room?

2. Do you fit a new energy efficient light bulb whenever a bulb blows?

3. Do you always close the door to keep in the heat (if popping out to the dustbin/get something from the car etc)?

4. Do you recycle bottles and cans and newspapers?

5. Do you recycle cardboard, cartons and packaging?

6. Do you use the washing machine on a cool wash whenever possible?

7. Do you wait until you have a full load to wash rather than use the machine for just a few items?

8. Do you walk instead of drive when you pop to the local shop, take children to the park, parties etc?

9. Do you give old clothes, furniture and unwanted household items to charity/recycling rather than put in the bin?

10. Do you check when buying a new appliance or electrical equipment, whether it has a good energy-saving rating?

11. Do you use the compost bin regularly? (Choose never if you don’t have one yet)

12. Do you use rainwater (collected in a butt or barrel) for use in watering plants etc?

13. Do you buy local foodstuff to save on food miles?

14. Do you use public transport or car-share on journeys to work whenever possible?

15. Do you choose products with minimal or re-usable packaging whenever possible – e.g. milk in bottles, non-boxed cosmetics etc?

16. Do you buy recycled products when possible – such as computer paper, notebooks, clothing, furniture etc?

17. Do you buy from charity shops and, therefore, help in the recycling of clothing, books, bric-a-brac etc?

18. Do you dry washing outside (when weather permits) rather than use a tumble drier or turn up the heating to dry clothes?

19. Do you switch off the TV, computer or stereo rather than leave on standby?

20. Do you carry shopping home in re-useable bags rather than use supermarket plastic carrier bags?

Add Up Your Score

• 2 points for each ‘always’ answer;

• 1 point for each ‘sometimes’ answer;

• 0 point for each ‘never’ answer

If there’s a good reason why you can’t do something (for example, you can’t use public transport or car-share for work, because no-one lives in your direction and there’s no bus service) then choose ‘sometimes’ rather than ‘never ‘as your answer for that particular question.

Your Green Score

Less than 12 points: Have you even heard about climate change and the planetary threat? If so, you are not giving it the priority it deserves. You Must Do Better!

Between 12-20 points: You are already doing a few basic things – but there is so much more that you could be doing to show your concern for the environment. Note some of the tips in our quiz – and start to implement them

Between 20-34 points: You demonstrate a good environmental conscience – but there’s still room for improvement, so look at the questions where you scored badly and make some changes

Between 35- 40 points: Wow, you certainly know your Greens. If you scored this highly, you can rightly call yourself a Green Champion – well done and keep up the good work!