1.
Earth Day was founded in:
Correct Answer
C. 1970
Explanation
Earth Day was founded in 1970 as a response to the growing environmental concerns and the need for greater awareness and action to protect the planet. The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, and it marked a significant milestone in the environmental movement, leading to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of various environmental laws in the United States. Since then, Earth Day has become a global event, observed annually on April 22, to promote environmental protection and sustainability worldwide.
2.
The typical U.S. family spends about ___ a year on home utility bills.
Correct Answer
B. $1,900
Explanation
The typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills. This amount is an average estimate of what families spend on electricity, gas, water, and other utility services for their homes. It is important to note that this amount can vary depending on factors such as the size of the home, location, energy usage, and individual preferences.
3.
What should you do with unwanted electronics?
Correct Answer
A. Take them to an electronics recycling center
Explanation
Unwanted electronics should be taken to an electronics recycling center because these centers are specifically designed to handle and dispose of electronic waste in an environmentally friendly manner. Recycling electronic devices helps prevent hazardous materials from ending up in landfills and allows valuable resources to be recovered and reused. Disposing of electronics in the trash or burning them can have harmful effects on the environment and human health due to the release of toxic substances.
4.
Roughly ___ of your trash is compostable.
Correct Answer
C. 25 percent
Explanation
Approximately 25 percent of your trash is compostable. This means that a quarter of the waste you generate can be broken down into organic matter and used as compost. Composting is an environmentally friendly way to recycle organic waste and reduce the amount of trash that goes to landfills. By composting, you can help divert waste from landfills and create nutrient-rich soil for gardening and agriculture.
5.
Which of these statements about compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) is true?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
CFLs last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, which means they have a longer lifespan and need to be replaced less frequently. This helps in reducing the cost of buying new bulbs frequently. Additionally, CFLs save money in electricity costs compared to incandescent bulbs because they are more energy-efficient and consume less electricity to produce the same amount of light. Lastly, CFLs come in a variety of shades, allowing users to choose the color temperature that suits their preferences or needs.
6.
San Joaquin County created a Green Committee with representatives from various county departments and some outside agencies in the year:
Correct Answer
C. 2009
Explanation
In 2009, San Joaquin County created a Green Committee to address environmental concerns and promote sustainability. This committee consisted of representatives from different county departments as well as external agencies. By bringing together individuals from various backgrounds, the committee aimed to collaborate and develop strategies to reduce the county's environmental impact.
7.
What typically accounts for the largest portion of a utility bill?
Correct Answer
A. Heating
Explanation
Heating typically accounts for the largest portion of a utility bill because it requires a significant amount of energy to heat a home or building, especially during colder months. Heating systems such as furnaces or boilers consume a substantial amount of electricity, natural gas, or oil to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. This constant energy usage for heating purposes contributes to the higher costs reflected in utility bills.
8.
Just ___ of homes built before 1980 are well insulated.
Correct Answer
B. 20 percent
Explanation
Approximately 20 percent of homes built before 1980 are well insulated. This means that out of every 100 homes built before 1980, only 20 have proper insulation. Insulation is important for energy efficiency and reducing heating and cooling costs. The fact that only 20 percent of these older homes have proper insulation highlights the need for retrofitting and improving insulation in older buildings to make them more energy-efficient.
9.
You can improve gas mileage by:
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
Clearing your car of extra weight, keeping tires properly inflated, and avoiding high speeds can all contribute to improving gas mileage. Extra weight in the car can increase fuel consumption, so removing unnecessary items can help save gas. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which can improve fuel efficiency. Driving at high speeds can increase wind resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. Therefore, all of these actions can help improve gas mileage.
10.
This month, Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation that requires California utilities to get one-third of their power from renewable sources by the year:
Correct Answer
A. 2020
Explanation
The correct answer is 2020 because Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation that mandates California utilities to obtain one-third of their power from renewable sources by that year. This legislation aims to promote the use of renewable energy and reduce the state's reliance on fossil fuels. By setting a specific target, the government hopes to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and contribute to the fight against climate change.