Colchester Zoo Environmental Quiz
It is very easy to think that our actions have little effect on the environment. But if we all act together to be kind to the environment everyone can make a real difference! There are hundreds of things that you can do to recycle and reuse products thereby reducing waste. In turn this helps the environment and the animals that live in it.
If you would like to see how green your household is; why not take our environmental test and find out? If you do not fare all that well it will give you all sorts of ideas of things you, your friends and family could be doing to help the environment. Following most of the ideas will also help your mum or dad save money on the household bills! That should get them thinking and they can always spend the extra money on you!
Answer these questions honestly and check out your score at the end!
1) Do you turn off the tap when you are cleaning your teeth?
A running tap can use 10-14 litres of water per minute.
Yes
No
2) Do you take showers rather than baths?
This will save enough water each week for 1000 cups of tea.
Yes
No
3) When making a cup of tea do you only boil the water that you need?
If everyone did this we could save enough electricity to run all the street lighting in England.
Yes
No
4) Do you re-use paper that has only been written on one side?
Recycling paper and card saves trees, and improves the environment.
Yes
No
5) Do you recycle all your aluminium? e.g. Drink cans and kitchen foil?
Recycling aluminium reduces greenhouse gases, saves money and need for bauxite
mining.
Yes
No
6) If you see a dripping tap do you turn it off?
Yes
No
7) Have you got a compost heap?
Nature's way of recycling your kitchen waste will also help your plants to grow.
Yes
No
8) Do you re-use old jars and tins and use them to store odds and ends in?
(You can still score a point if you recycle them at a bottle bank).
Yes
No
9) Do you re use all of your old plastic shopping bags?
For example they can simply be used to line your pedal bin.
Yes
No
10) Have you reduced the amount of junk mail you receive?
Registering online with the MPS will stop most of the junk mail.
Yes
No
11) If you are making a short journey do you walk or cycle instead?
Reduce car emissions, ave money and get fit.
Yes
No
12) Do you buy refills for your washing powder and conditioner?
Refills use less packaging therefore resulting in less waste.
Yes
No
13) Do you use local recycling centres for items other than your normal refuse?
They are often located at supermarkets etc so will not involve extra petrol to get there!
Yes
No
14) Do you have a bird table or feeder or a nesting box if you have a garden?
This will encourage birds into your garden and increase their numbers in the wild.
Yes
No
15) Do you use energy efficient light bulbs?
This will save money and energy.
Yes
No
16) Do you recycle old t-shirts to use around the house?
Old clothes can be recycled for cleaning your bike or polishing the car!
Yes
No
17) Do you avoid the use of household pesticides?
Fly swatters work just as well.
Yes
No
18) Do you use reusable containers to store foods rather than foils & Clingfilm?
Keep your school lunch fresher in an airtight container.
Yes
No
19) Do you have a water butt and recycle your rain water for use on the garden?
Why turn on the hose when you can use natures' freebie.
Yes
No
20) Do you take unwanted reusable items to charity shops?
Charities benefit from selling these items and your house will be clutter free.
Yes
No
21) Do you turn the light off when you are leaving a room?
Yes
No
22) Do you turn the TV off rather than leaving it on standby?
It may only be on standby but it's still using up precious energy.
Yes
No
23) Do you wash your windows with vinegar and water instead of chemicals?
It works just as well as expensive window cleaner.
Yes
No
24) Do you use phosphate-free washing powders and soaps?
It saves putting yet more chemicals into our rivers and oceans.
Yes
No
25) If you have a baby brother or sister do they have cloth nappies.
Did you know that over 9 million disposables go into landfil sites every day?
Yes
No
26) Do you keep your car tyres fully inflated?
Under-inflated tyres use more fuel.
Yes
No
27) Do you use the washing machine only when you have a full load?
This will save you money and water (don't forget the dishwasher as well).
Yes
No
28) Do you adjust your heating thermostat regularly according to the weather?
Turn down your thermostat by 1oC could cut your fuel bill by 10%.
Yes
No
29) Do your parents drive smartly and slowly?
Smoother driving can use 30% less fuel.
Yes
No