Personal Environmental Survey and Checklist: Help Save the Earth Question Title * 1. Home Energy My home has a smart meter to help me monitor and analyze my electricity use. I have installed energy efficient lighting in my house (compact fluorescent or LED). The windows and doors in my house are airtight and energy efficient. I use a clothesline instead of a dryer to dry my clothes when I can. I wash full loads of dishes or laundry to save water and energy. I buy renewable energy (solar, wind) from my power company. I have a LEED-certified house. My house is well insulated. I reduced the temperature of my water heater to 120 degrees F. I do not own a house. I share my home or apartment with others. My home is equipped to use solar energy for electricity, water heating or cooking. I have had an energy audit at my home. I wash dishes by hand to save water and energy. I live in a small home. I wash my clothes in warm or cold water. I turn off lights, electronics and power strips when not in use. I program my thermostat to reduce heating and air conditioning while I am asleep or away. I usually cook with a microwave instead of a conventional electric oven. I use electric fans or open windows in the evening to reduce the need for air conditioning. I bought energy-efficient appliances and electronics. I use my thermostat to minimize use of heating and air conditioning at my home. Question Title * 2. Transportation I own an electric, hybrid or fuel-efficient car. I take a public bus or train to work or school. I carpool or share a ride to work or school. I frequently walk or bicycle for local transportation and exercise. I shop close to home, and minimize/combine shopping trips. I do not own a car. I chose to live near my work or school. I regularly inflate my car tires, replace the air filters, and have the oil changed. I save gas by following speed limits, changing speed gradually, and not idling a long time. Question Title * 3. Water I turn off water when not using it (brushing teeth, shaving, lathering, washing). I installed a rain barrel at my home. I wash my car with buckets and sponges to conserve water. I supported protection of oceans or waterways. I wash my car at a car wash to prevent pollution of runoff water. I avoid using herbicides, pesticides and insecticides in my yard and garden. I have installed hoses, showers, faucets and toilets that conserve water, and fixed leaks. I have calculated how much water I use for yard, washing, bathing and toilets. I take short showers. I practice low-water gardening, my yard uses native plants, or I have reduced my lawn size. Question Title * 4. Food I buy organic food. I buy foods known to have few pesticides. I do not buy genetically engineered food. I reduced consumption of meat, fish, dairy, and processed foods. I try to minimize food waste by eating leftovers and fresh food before it goes bad. I grow food in my garden. I have visited local farms. I only eat at restaurants on special occasions, and I avoid fast food. Question Title * 5. Shopping I buy local food and other products. I buy green products. I research the origins and environmental impacts of products. I buy fair trade food and other products. I do not buy disposable paper, plastic, or polystyrene (Styrofoam) plates, cups and utensils. I buy natural, organic fabrics instead of clothes made with pesticides, synthetics and PFCS. I avoid dry-cleaning clothes, which often uses perchloroethylene. I do not smoke. I read online news instead of buying newspapers. I avoid needless consumption; I use only what I need and make things last a long time. Question Title * 6. Waste I take toxic household chemicals and items (waste or unused) to safe disposal facilities. I borrow or lease items that I will only use rarely or for a short time. I use washable cloths, sponges or handkerchiefs instead of disposable paper for cleaning. I installed a filter on my tap or use a pitcher with recyclable filter or refridgerator filter. I drink from a reusable bottle or cup when I am away from home. I purchase cloth diapers instead of disposables. I avoid unnecessary printing. I receive paperless email statements and correspondence from banks, utilities, schools, etc. I buy recycled paper products. I buy few cans and metals to reduce the environmental impact of mining. I recycle most cans, electronics and other metals. I recycle most paper, plastic, metal and glass. I dispose of still useful but unwanted items via a yard or online sale, local charity, Freecycle, etc. I buy natural cleaning products instead of toxic ones (chlorine bleach, drain cleaners, etc.) I compost my garbage. I help recycle cans and other trash that others did not recycle. I bring my own shopping bags and I don't take a bag if I don't need it. I have opted out of unsolicited junk mail. I buy used second-hand items such as clothes and furniture. I do not buy bottled water, or other canned or bottled beverages. Question Title * 7. Nature I have supported parks and urban spaces. I supported protection of rainforests. I engage in ecotourism for environmental and cultural preservation and poverty reduction. I have supported a park, wildlife refuge, wilderness area or wetland. I planted a tree in my yard. I have helped clean up local land or water. I supported endangered species. Question Title * 8. General I am a member of a local or global environmental group or organization. I have advocated environmental issues through email, social media or in person. I chose to have few or no pets in part to limit environmental impact. I have donated money to environmental causes. I have done volunteer work to support the environment. I supported birth control or other measures to reduce overpopulation. I voted for environmental issues and candidates who support the environment. I chose to have few or no children in part to limit environmental impact. I have read books or done Internet research on environmental issues. I have chosen an environmental job or career. I contacted my political representatives about environmental issues. I have attended an environmentally responsible university or school. I educate children about the environment. I invested in environmentally and socially responsible organizations. Question Title * 9. Comments Done