How green are you?
FIND OUT IF YOU’RE DOING ENOUGH TO SAVE THE PLANET
Drivers of electric cars may soon be given green number plates so they can be easily identified and benefit from perks such as the use of bus lanes and cheaper parking.
The Government is considering the move to motivate people to buy green cars and help reach its net zero emissions target by 2050.
At a time when Sir David Attenborough, Greta Thunberg and protestors from Extinction Rebellion are urging us to clean up our acts to help save the planet from the perils climate change, have you examined your own green credentials? Are you a bright spark when it comes to saving energy, or are you stuck in the dark ages?
Take our quiz to find out how green you really are…
■ Do you switch off the light whenever you leave a room?
A Always. Otherwise it’s a needless waste of energy. B Sometimes. Electricity only costs a few pennies.
C Never. I like the house nice and bright like Blackpool lights.
■ When it comes to household recycling, do you…
A Meticulously separate cardboard, glass, cans and food waste. B Try your best – sometimes you might get it a bit wrong. C Chuck all your rubbish in together. Why should you do the council’s job?
■ How often do you use your washing machine’s cool cycle?
A Almost always. They’re just as efficient as warmer cycles but save energy.
B As often as I can. But towels and bedsheets need higher temperatures.
C Only for woollens and delicates. Have you seen the state of my husband’s pants?
■ How often do you use a tumble drier?
A Never. I have a washing line and clothes horse.
B Rarely. Only in long stretches of wet weather or for a few minutes to get line-hung clothes fully dry.
C Always. It’s such a chore hanging them outside.
■ In the supermarket, do you bring your own bags?
A Always. I like reusable bags rather than plastic carriers – it’s such a simple and cheap way to cut down on plastic use.
B As often as I can, but sometimes I get caught on the hop.
C Never. They’re only a few pence and I bin them afterwards.
■ When browsing the supermarket, do you consider packaging?
A It’s my first consideration. I cannot stand wasteful packaging. B I try not to buy much plastic – we all really need to cut down. C I buy whatever’s in the nicest packaging or has a toy for the kids.
■ How often do you buy Fairtrade
or recycled goods such as printer paper, tea, coffee, fruit? A I buy them as often as I can. B Whenever I can, but not if they’re much more expensive than similar goods.
C Never. Fairtrade and recycled products are only for hippies.
■ The kids need to go to school, which is half a mile away, and it’s pouring with rain. Do you…
A Bundle them up in wellies and raincoats – it makes them hardy. B Use the car as an exception, but make sure you pop to the supermarket afterwards so it’s not a wasted journey.
C Jump in the car and make the short trip as you do every day in every weather.
■ It’s starting to get chilly in the house. Do you
A Close all the windows and doors, then pop on your favourite comfy jumper and cosy slippers.
B Turn up the heat by a degree.
C Pump up the heat full whack, wear a T-shirt and open a window when it gets a bit stuffy.
■ How often do you switch off the telly and computer?
A As soon as I’m done with it.
B Sometimes I forget and they’re left on standby.
C Never. I like them on standby so they’re quicker to turn on again.
■ When it comes to buying household appliances, do you check the energy-saving rating?
A Of course – choosing the lowest energy consumption is as important as price.
B Usually. I really want to do my bit to help save the planet.
C Never. I go with the best price.
■ When you bought your car, did you consider the fuel emissions?
A Yes, I bought an electric car. B Yes, I bought the smallest car and try to avoid unnecessary trips.
C I picked the car that would get me admiring glances at the traffic lights.
■ Do you use rainwater?
A As often as I can. I have a barrel outside as rainwater is the best thing for watering plants.
B I don’t but would really like to.
C Why would I? I have a perfectly good tap.
■ How many of your home’s lightbulbs are low energy?
A All of them.
B Most of them.
C None – they take a whole second to come on, it bugs me.
■ Do you have a compost bin?
A Yes, and a compost heap outside. When it’s recycled, it’s great for the garden and the environment.
B Yes – it’s used regularly for food waste as I will be fined by the refuse collectors otherwise.
C That smelly thing? No way. I just chuck my food in the bin with everything else – the refuse collectors haven’t noticed.
■ Do you have a wildlife-friendly garden?
A Yes – we have a bird box and specifically chose plants to attract butterflies and bees.
B I think so. We’ve many flowers.
C I can’t stand bees, slugs or worms, so I laid artificial grass.
■ Do you usually shower or bath?
A I have quick and efficient showers – baths waste water.
B I have a shower and I take a bath as a rare treat.
C Every morning I shower, and every evening I have a long bath.