Test Your Environmental Knowledge
1. Pollution and waste is a big problem. Some things that we throw away today will be in
our landfills hundreds of years from now. Which of the following will last longest in a
landfill?
(Multiple Choice Question)
Correct
Choice
X
An aluminum pop can
A paper towel
A cigarette butt
An old tennis shoe
Feedback when correct: A pop can will last 80-200 years in a landfill! Aluminum is easy to recycle,
and can be back in use 60 days after it gets recycled. And recycled…and recycled.
A paper towel will last two to four weeks in a landfill.
A cigarette butt will last one to five years (it might be small, but it lasts a long time! Another
reason to quit smoking!)
An old tennis shoe will decompose in 50-80 years. Shoes will be around for a long time-try to
find a spot to donate them, or use them for chores outside. If they are too worn to be reused,
bring them to REI stores or Wipers in St. Paul, MN to have them recycled.
Feedback when incorrect: A pop can will last 80-200 years in a landfill! Aluminum is easy to
recycle, and can be back in use 60 days after it gets recycled. And recycled…and recycled.
A paper towel will last two to four weeks in a landfill.
A cigarette butt will last one to five years (it might be small, but it lasts a long time! Another
reason to quit smoking!)
An old tennis shoe will decompose in 50-80 years. Shoes will be around for a long time-try to
find a spot to donate them, or use them for chores outside. If they are too worn to be reused,
bring them to REI stores or Wipers in St. Paul, MN to have them recycled.
Published by Articulate® Quizmaker '09 www.articulate.com
2. Smog is another name for which air pollutant?
(Multiple Choice Question)
Correct
Choice
X
Ozone
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
Carbon Monoxide
Feedback when correct: Ozone. While there is good ozone, it is only found in the upper
atmosphere. You often hear about good ozone when people talk about how pollution is putting
a "hole in the ozone layer." But when ozone is found near ground level, it's a sign of pollution.
Ozone occurs on the surface of the earth when pollutants from cars and buildings interact with
the sunlight. In Minnesota, it's mostly present in the summer, but is still serious and can lead to
respiratory problems.
Feedback when incorrect: Ozone. While there is good ozone, it is only found in the upper
atmosphere. You often hear about good ozone when people talk about how pollution is putting
a "hole in the ozone layer." But when ozone is found near ground level, it's a sign of pollution.
Ozone occurs on the surface of the earth when pollutants from cars and buildings interact with
the sunlight. In Minnesota, it's mostly present in the summer, but is still serious and can lead to
respiratory problems.
Published by Articulate® Quizmaker '09 www.articulate.com
3. How many landfills are there in Minnesota?
(Multiple Choice Question)
Correct
Choice
7
45
90
X
21
Feedback when correct: There are currently 21, permitted, active landfills in Minnesota. The
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency also monitors 112 old (closed) landfills as part of their
Closed Landfill Program.
Feedback when incorrect: There are currently 21, permitted, active landfills in Minnesota. The
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency also monitors 112 old (closed) landfills as part of their
Closed Landfill Program.
Published by Articulate® Quizmaker '09 www.articulate.com
4. Which sector uses the most energy in the United States?
(Multiple Choice Question)
Correct
Choice
Residential (homes)
Commercial (businesses)
Transportation
X
Industrial (factories and manufacturing)
Feedback when correct: The industrial sector uses the largest share of energy in the United
States. Factories and manufacturing use 30 percent of all the energy generated, followed closely
by transportation, which uses 29 percent of all energy. Residential energy use accounts for 22
percent, while businesses use 19 percent.
Feedback when incorrect: The industrial sector uses the largest share of energy in the United
States. Factories and manufacturing use 30 percent of all the energy generated, followed closely
by transportation, which uses 29 percent of all energy. Residential energy use accounts for 22
percent, while businesses use 19 percent.
Published by Articulate® Quizmaker '09 www.articulate.com
5. How much of Minnesota's electricity comes from renewable sources (such as wind or
sun)?
(Multiple Choice Question)
Correct
Choice
22 percent
X
12 percent
7 percent
48 percent
Feedback when correct: Twelve percent of Minnesota's electricity is from renewable resources.
Most of that is generated from wind. On a national level, about eight percent of all the energy
used in the United States comes from renewable energy sources.
Feedback when incorrect: Twelve percent of Minnesota's electricity is from renewable resources.
Most of that is generated from wind. On a national level, about eight percent of all the energy
used in the United States comes from renewable energy sources.
Published by Articulate® Quizmaker '09 www.articulate.com
6. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use [blank] percent less energy than traditional
incandescent light bulbs.
(Multiple Choice Question)
Correct
Choice
15 percent
50 percent
X
75 percent
90 percent
Feedback when correct: CFLs are much more energy-efficient than conventional light bulbs.
Although they look goofy, these squiggly light bulbs use 75 percent less energy, give off 75
percent less heat, and last up to ten times longer than traditional bulbs. Proper disposal is
important-so when it comes time to change the CFL, make sure you find out from your local
recycler where to drop it off.
Feedback when incorrect: CFLs are much more energy-efficient than conventional light bulbs.
Although they look goofy, these squiggly light bulbs use 75 percent less energy, give off 75
percent less heat, and last up to ten times longer than traditional bulbs. Proper disposal is
important-so when it comes time to change the CFL, make sure you find out from your local
recycler where to drop it off.
Published by Articulate® Quizmaker '09 www.articulate.com
7. Which of the following Minnesota mammals is most threatened to become extinct?
(Multiple Choice Question)
Correct
Choice
Northern Bog Lemming
X
Eastern Spotted Skunk
Common Loon
Prairie Vole
Feedback when correct: This small skunk has a range throughout the middle United States, but
in the last ten years it's only been spotted six times. The decline in the eastern spotted skunk
population isn't fully understood, but scientists think it could be due to the reduction and
consolidation of farmland (where these skunks historically lived), as well as the use of pesticides.
It became a threatened species in 1996, meaning that it could soon become endangered.
The northern bog lemming and prairie vole are mammals with "special concern" status in
Minnesota, meaning they are extremely uncommon or have a very specific habitat that requires
monitoring. The common loon is the state bird and is not in danger of extinction now.
Feedback when incorrect: The eastern spotted skunk. This small skunk has a range throughout
the middle United States, but in the last ten years it's only been spotted six times. The decline in
the eastern spotted skunk population isn't fully understood, but scientists think it could be due
to the reduction and consolidation of farmland (where these skunks historically lived), as well as
the use of pesticides. It became a threatened species in 1996, meaning that it could soon
become endangered.
The northern bog lemming and prairie vole are mammals with "special concern" status in
Minnesota, meaning they are extremely uncommon or have a very specific habitat that requires
monitoring. The common loon is the state bird and is not in danger of extinction now.
Published by Articulate® Quizmaker '09 www.articulate.com
8. The Mississippi River is one of Minnesota's most notable features, but it suffers from
harmful pollution. Which of the following is cause for this pollution?
(Multiple Choice Question)
Correct
Choice
Fertilizers that run into the river
Roads and concrete that increase runoff into rivers
Erosion caused by improper land use on the riverbanks
X
All of the above.
Feedback when correct: Many streams and other rivers flow into the Mississippi, so pollution
from many places can affect it. Because of its large watershed, the river eventually gets
everything that seeps into the earth throughout the watershed. Even a farmer who lives miles
from the river can have his or her fertilizer or animal manure eventually end up in the
Mississippi.
More concrete means that more rainwater (and any pollutants it picks up on the surface) can
end up in streams and rivers. And when river banks are farmed or developed for residential,
commercial or industrial uses, it gives the river less stability and can lead to erosion, adding
sediment and pollutants to the water.
Feedback when incorrect: All of the above. Many streams and other rivers flow into the
Mississippi, so pollution from many places can affect it. Because of its large watershed, the river
eventually gets everything that seeps into the earth throughout the watershed. Even a farmer
who lives miles from the river can have his or her fertilizer or animal manure eventually end up
in the Mississippi.
More concrete means that more rainwater (and any pollutants it picks up on the surface) can
end up in streams and rivers. And when river banks are farmed or developed for residential,
commercial or industrial uses, it gives the river less stability and can lead to erosion, adding
sediment and pollutants to the water.
Published by Articulate® Quizmaker '09 www.articulate.com
9. A phantom load refers to:
(Multiple Choice Question)
Correct
Choice
A cubic ton of CO2 emissions
X
Energy loss that occurs from plugged-in, inactive devices and gadgets
When a semi-truck has to make a return trip without any cargo
The late-night creaking on the staircase
Feedback when correct: Energy loss that comes from inactive devices or gadgets that remain
plugged into an outlet. Sometimes called vampire power, wall warts, or an idle current, our
unused chargers, appliances, and gadgets consume energy even when not in use. It's estimated
that 5-10 percent of a home's electricity use is taken up by these energy drainers. For example,
keeping your plasma TV plugged in can cost you an additional $160 per year from the energy it
drains while just sitting there! To reduce how much energy your household wastes, either
unplug things when not in use, or try using power strips for clustered appliances, like your TV,
DVD player and Wii. You can also buy energy monitoring devices (or checked them out from
your local library!).
Feedback when incorrect: Energy loss that comes from inactive devices or gadgets that remain
plugged into an outlet. Sometimes called vampire power, wall warts, or an idle current, our
unused chargers, appliances, and gadgets consume energy even when not in use. It's estimated
that 5-10 percent of a home's electricity use is taken up by these energy drainers. For example,
keeping your plasma TV plugged in can cost you an additional $160 per year from the energy it
drains while just sitting there! To reduce how much energy your household wastes, either
unplug things when not in use, or try using power strips for clustered appliances, like your TV,
DVD player and Wii. You can also buy energy monitoring devices (or checked them out from
your local library!).
Published by Articulate® Quizmaker '09 www.articulate.com
10. Which household activity uses the most gallons of water on an average day?
(Multiple Choice Question)
Correct
Choice
X
Flushing the toilet
Washing clothes
Taking a shower
Leaking faucets and pipes
Feedback when correct: The average toilet uses between 3.5 and 7 gallons of water per flush,
accounting for about 27 percent of household water use. High-efficiency, or "low flow" toilets
only require 1.6 gallons of water per flush, and can save homeowners money in the long run.
Washing clothes: Washing clothes makes up about 21 percent of a household's water
consumption, with top-loading washing machines using a whopping 43 gallons for each load of
laundry. Front-loader washing machines are much more efficient, using about 20-25 gallons per
load.
Shower: Showers make up about 16 percent of a household's water consumption, which can be
reduced by using a low-flow showerhead. You can also save water by taking a shorter shower, or
turning off the water while you soap up.
Leaks: Leaking faucets and fixtures account for about 14 percent of household water
consumption. It's estimated that an average home wastes 10,000 gallons of water per year in
leaks - enough to fill a swimming pool! Check kitchen, bathrooms and laundry rooms for leaks
and drips to save money and water.
Feedback when incorrect: The average toilet uses between 3.5 and 7 gallons of water per flush,
accounting for about 27 percent of household water use. High-efficiency, or "low flow" toilets
only require 1.6 gallons of water per flush, and can save homeowners money in the long run.
Washing clothes: Washing clothes makes up about 21 percent of a household's water
consumption, with top-loading washing machines using a whopping 43 gallons for each load of
laundry. Front-loader washing machines are much more efficient, using about 20-25 gallons per
load.
Shower: Showers make up about 16 percent of a household's water consumption, which can be
reduced by using a low-flow showerhead. You can also save water by taking a shorter shower, or
turning off the water while you soap up.
Published by Articulate® Quizmaker '09 www.articulate.com
Leaks: Leaking faucets and fixtures account for about 14 percent of household water
consumption. It's estimated that an average home wastes 10,000 gallons of water per year in
leaks - enough to fill a swimming pool! Check kitchen, bathrooms and laundry rooms for leaks
and drips to save money and water.
Published by Articulate® Quizmaker '09 www.articulate.com