A Little Green Trivia

Have you ever tested your Green IQ? It's time to see just how much you know, and you may be surprised by some of the answers.

1. Which uses less water—washing dishes by hand or in the dishwasher?

• If you said by hand, think again! Washing dishes by hand can use up to 50 percent more water than a water-saving, energy-efficient washing machine. Just look for units with the Energy Star rating.

2. How much money do you save by switching your current light bulbs to CFL bulbs?

• The Environmental Protection Agency says CFL (compact florescent light) bulbs will save $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb. These bulbs use two-thirds the energy of standard bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.

3. On a long drive, you save more gas by driving faster, which will help get you to your destination faster.

• Sorry, but being a speed racer does not help with your gas tank, and with gas prices so high, this might be important to consider. The EPA estimates you will save 15 percent more more on fuel when you drive 55 miles per hour, not 65 miles per hour. Remember to properly inflate tires and have your engine checked regularly. 

4. Dropping your thermostat just two degrees won't save you any money.

• Think again. Every degree you lower on the thermostat will save you about 5 percent on your heating bill. It is also recommended to set the air conditioning to 78 degrees fahrenheit or higher.

5. Using paper bags at the grocery store is better and more eco-friendly than using plastic bags.

• Wrong! The process of having to dispose of and manufacture both plastic and paper bags is harmful to the environment. Spend a couple dollars and invest in reusable bags at your local grocery store.