Are you looking to live a greener, more sustainable life? Indoor Sciences wants to link you to online resources to get started. If you live in the Chicagoland area, we can even perform an in-home consultation to provide you with a customized plan of action. Contact us at (312) 920-9393 if you are interested in a home environmental consultation.
How Green Are You?
Take this quick test to see how environmentally sustainable your lifestyle is. Below you will find 60 green activities that help the enviornment, broken up into separate categories. This list comes from our website, www.SeeImGreen.com. Add up all the activities that apply to you and see how you rank at the bottom of the page.
Transportation
- I walk, ride my bike, or use public transportation to get to work/school
- I drive a hybrid or electric car
- I drive the speed limit
- I drive less than 5,000 miles a year
- I fly less than 5,000 miles a year
Energy
- I keep the thermostat at or below 68°F in the winter
- I keep the thermostat at or above 78°F in the summer
- A majority of my lighting is energy efficient (e.g. CFLs, LED)
- I unplug all my unused electronics (computers, TVs, chargers etc.)
- I have energy efficient windows (e.g. multiple panes, gas fills)
- I always turn off the lights when leaving a room
- I do not use air-conditioning
- I have an energy efficient refrigerator
- My furnace is minimum 90% efficient
- I have a tankless or solar hot water heater
- I refrain from washing my laundry in hot water unless absolutely necessary
- I dry clothes on the line weather permitting
- I live in a home having less than 500 square feet per person
- I have purchased renewable electricity and/or renewable energy certificates
- I generate electricity on-site
- My air conditioning is minimum 13 SEER
Water
- I use a low-flow showerhead
- I have at least one low-flow or dual flush toilet
- I take showers in less than 5 minutes
- I do not let the water run when I brush my teeth and shave
- I use a full dishwasher to clean my dishes
- I do not let the water run when I wash cookware by hand
- I collect rainwater for reuse
- I do not have a swimming pool
- I decline hotel linen changes for short trips
- I have xeriscaped my lawn
- I do not use pesticides or chemical fertilizers on my lawn
- I attest that sinks, toilets and spigots do not leak or drip in my home
Waste
- I recycle all materials that are recyclable in my neighborhood
- I dry my hands with cloth towels, not paper towels, whenever available
- I get my news without a newspaper
- I bring my own bags to the grocery store
- I receive bills and statements online whenever available
- I use at least 30% post consumer recycled paper at home
- I have canceled all catalogs and phone books
- My music and pictures are now digital
- When buying clothes, I prefer second-hand
- I use permanent containers for my water and coffee
- I do not purchase or use disposable plates and utensils for home or work
- I own and use rechargeable batteries
- I compost
Food
- I eat organic when the option is available
- I do not eat meat
- I do not eat any animal products
- I shop at local farmers’ markets to reduce food miles
Indoor Health
- I use cleaners that are healthy for indoors and out
- My home is decorated with low VOC paints and/or furniture
- I do not create indoor pollutants by smoking, burning candles, using air fresheners or pesticides indoors
- I use environmentally sound personal care products
Participation
- I belong to an environmental organization
- I have attended at least one event in the last year regarding the environment
- I have read at least one book in the last year regarding the environment
- I have lobbied my school, workplace or government to make a change for the environment
Advanced
- I have calculated my carbon footprint
- I have purchased carbon offsets
Calculate Your Score
If you scored 20 or less: You need our help! Call us at (312) 920-9393 to set up an in-home consultation if you live in the Chicagoland area.
If you scored between 21-40: You have made some great strides, but there is still more to do! Visit www.SeeImGreen.com and add a pushpin to your house on our map of the world.
If you scored 41 or above: You are legit! Be sure to encourage others around you to go green too. Tell the world about your green activities by putting a pushpin on your house at www.SeeImGreen.com.
