NY “Going Green: Elements of an Eco-friendly Home” Questions only (no answers)
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1. Which type of washing machine generally uses the LEAST amount of water per load?
a. High efficiency top-loaders
b. Older top-loaders
c. Front-loaders
d. They are all equal

NY Going Green Elements of an Eco-friendly Home

2. About how much of the water on earth is available for use?
a. 1%
b. 10%
c. 50%
d. 100%
3. A sink releases 20 gallons of water over a 5-minute period. What is the flow rate?
a. 20 gallons per minute
b. 100 gallons per minute
c. 5 gallons per minute
d. 4 gallons per minute
4. What is one appropriate method for reducing water use when brushing one’s teeth?
a. Skip the rinsing altogether
b. Use mouthwash instead of brushing
c. Brush only once per day
d. Turn off the water while brushing
5. Most water on earth is unavailable for use since it is:
a. Polluted
b. Salt water
c. In the atmosphere
d. Privately owned
6. If you are just starting to think about ways to conserve water in your home, where is the best place to start?
a. By looking at new, more efficient homes
b. By looking at your water bill
c. By replacing all sinks, toilets, and showerheads
d. By having a professional water audit
7. What is one easy way to check for plumbing leaks in the home?
a. Turn off all water sources and monitor the meter for changes
b. Call your water company
c. Monitor changes in your electric bill
d. Carefully examine your shingles for wear
8. For most people in the United States, what percent of water use is indoors?
a. 90%
b. 70%
c. 50%
d. 10%
9. Which of the following are easy ways to conserve water?
a. Turn the shower water off while you lather
b. Collect rainwater to use for watering plants
c. Use one cup or glass per day for drinks
d. All of the answers shown
10. About how many gallons of water does the average family in the United States use per day?
a. 1 gallon
b. 100 gallons
c. 300 gallons
d. 1,000 gallons
11. A family of four wants to reduce water use in their bathroom sink but has little money for a new faucet. What can they replace cheaply that will make a difference?
a. The sink
b. The aerator
c. The drain
d. None of the answers shown
12. To conserve water when gardening:
a. Water plants in the morning while temperatures are low
b. Switch to non-native plants
c. Water plants during the hottest part of the day
d. Use a sprinkler instead of directly watering
13. New showerheads must have a flow rate of 2.2 gallons of water per minute or less. A WaterSense-labeled showerhead could have which flow rate?
a. 1.5 gallons per minute
b. 2.5 gallons per minute
c. 5.5 gallons per minute
d. 75 gallons per minute
14. What is the integrated water factor for a washing machine that uses 12 gallons and has a capacity of 3 cubic feet?
a. 36
b. 4
c. 3
d. 15
15. What activity generally uses the largest amount of water in residential homes?
a. Washing dishes
b. Showering
c. Watering the lawn
d. Flushing toilets
16. Why is most of the water on earth not useable or accessible to us for residential use?
a. It is mostly water vapor
b. It is too polluted
c. It is too expensive
d. It is mostly salt water or frozen or ice
17. To receive the EPA’s WaterSense label, a product much be ____ more water efficient than standard models.
a. 10%
b. 20%
c. 25%
d. 50%
18. What is the name of the program developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to help consumers conserve water?
a. WaterWorks
b. WaterCents
c. WaterSense
d. WaterSavers
19. For consumers considering a new faucet or showerhead, what is the most important environmental factor to take into account?
a. Flow rate
b. Cost of the item
c. Materials used
d. Country of origin
20. What is an easy and cheap method for finding a leak in the toilet?
a. Listen carefully as all leaks can be heard
b. Look at the floor for pooling water
c. Call an electrician
d. Add food dye to the tank and see if it ends up in the bowl
21. How is radon detected in a home?
a. It is a brown gas that can be easily seen
b. It has a very acrid smell when present
c. It must be tested for with a kit
d. It will leave distinct staining patterns in the basement
22. The following are all potential biological sources of indoor air pollution EXCEPT:
a. Mold
b. Pest droppings
c. Dust mites
d. Basement radon
23. What indoor air pollution source comes from the nuclear decay of two radioactive elements?
a. Asbestos
b. Radon
c. Carbon monoxide
d. Lead
24. What is the most serious health effect that can occur from radon exposure?
a. Lung cancer
b. Brain and nervous system damage
c. Dry throat
d. Scurvy
25. This carcinogen has a sharp odor and has been used in adhesives and glues in furniture and cabinetry:
a. Radon
b. Formaldehyde
c. Asbestos
d. Methylene chloride
26. This element is particularly damaging to younger children and can affect brain development:
a. Carbon monoxide
b. Carbon dioxide
c. Asbestos
d. Lead
27. This group of pollutants includes nine of the twelve most persistent and dangerous chemicals found in the environment:
a. Biological pollutants
b. Pesticides
c. Volatile organic compounds
d. Disinfectants
28. What level of radon is considered safe by the EPA?
a. Under 8 pCi/L
b. Under 6 pCi/L
c. Under 4 pCi/L
d. No level of radon is safe
29. What invisible, odorless gas comes from incomplete combustion and is potentially deadly?
a. Carbon monoxide
b. Carbon dioxide
c. Asbestos
d. Lead
30. What is one factor that generally leads to increased indoor air quality problems?
a. Poor ventilation
b. Good ventilation
c. Drafty doors and windows
d. New appliances
31. The most common place for asbestos to be found in the home is in:
a. Fiberglass insulation
b. Vermiculite insulation
c. Adhesives and glues
d. Paints and lacquers
32. All homes built before _____ require sellers to provide lead disclosures to potential buyers.
a. 1998
b. 1988
c. 1978
d. 1968
33. Since radon is a dense gas, it tends to concentrate:
a. In basements and crawlspaces
b. In attics
c. Near windows and doors
d. Near combustion sources like furnaces
34. This group of common indoor air pollutants has many sources including paints, lacquers, adhesives, and cleaning supplies among others:
a. Biological pollutants
b. Pesticides
c. Volatile organic Compounds (VOCs)
d. Asbestos
35. In order to minimize the risks associated with biological pollutants, it is advisable to:
a. Wash drapes and bedding regularly
b. Make sure damp areas do not dry out
c. Purchase exterior grade wood products
d. Purchase a biological pollutant detector
36. Carbon monoxide leads to adverse health problems by:
a. Causing swelling in the throat
b. Replacing oxygen in the bloodstream
c. Exposing one to radiation
d. Causing mutations in genes
37. This cause of air quality problems has long been used for its insulating and heat-resistance properties:
a. Lead
b. Asbestos
c. Formaldehyde
d. Radon
38. Which of the following is NOT a common source of indoor air pollution?
a. Greenhouse gases
b. Cleaning products
c. Building materials
d. Pressed-wood furniture
39. What is the level of radon at which the EPA recommends fixing?
a. 2 pCi/L
b. 4 pCi/L
c. 6 pCi/L
d. 8 pCi/L
40. What is a common way in which people are exposed to lead dust in a home?
a. From underground sources below basements
b. From sanding walls that were painted with lead-based paint
c. From poorly maintained furnaces
d. From older insulation sources
41. Which of the following is a source for carbon monoxide?
a. Space heaters
b. Gas heaters
c. Tobacco smoke
d. All of the answers shown
42. Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is used to more easily access this source of electricity generation.
a. Coal
b. Natural gas
c. Propane
d. Geothermal
43. This source of electricity generation does not add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere or produce toxins; however, it can have dramatic effects on rivers and land.
a. Coal
b. Nuclear
c. Hydropower
d. Wind
44. In addition to certifying appliances, the ENERGY STAR program can also certify new:
a. Cars
b. Homes
c. Power Plants
d. Clothing
45. This source of electricity generation uses free energy; however, the photovoltaic panels can be an expensive investment.
a. Biomass
b. Geothermal
c. Solar
d. Wind
46. Electrical power, which is the rate at which electrical energy is used, is measured in:
a. Kilowatts
b. Lumens
c. Kilowatt hours
d. BTUs
47. This type of water heater heats water only at the time it is needed. However, there is a limit to the amount of hot water that can be used at once.
a. Tankless
b. Storage
c. Solar
d. Heat pump
48. The program created by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to help consumers locate energy-efficient products is called:
a. ENERGY STAR
b. LED Star
c. Efficiency Star
d. Sea Star
49. These light bulbs may last upwards of 20 years and never actually burn out, although they will lose light intensity over time.
a. Incandescent bulbs
b. CFL bulbs
c. LED bulbs
d. Black lights
50. Appliance ‘A’ uses 100 watts of power over 2 hours and Appliance ‘B’ uses 10 watts of power over 16 hours. Which appliance uses more energy?
a. Appliance A
b. Appliance B
c. They would use the same amount of energy
d. There is not enough information to determine
51. A family uses 100 kWh during the month. If the power company charges $0.10 per kWh, how much will they pay for their energy?
a. $1000
b. $100
c. $10
d. $1

52. These light bulbs generate more heat than light and are extremely inefficient.
a. Incandescent bulbs
b. CFL bulbs
c. LED bulbs
d. All of the answers shown
53. Which of the following statements on water heaters is NOT true?
a. Water heating is one of the largest uses of energy in the home
b. There are many types of water heaters
c. Water heaters are standard and all use the same amount of energy
d. Water heaters commonly run on propane, natural gas, or electricity
54. This type of water heater is very efficient but is often combined with a storage tank water heater to cover cloudy days.
a. Tankless
b. Storage
c. Solar
d. Heat pump
55. Generating electricity by burning coal is the number one source for this environmental pollutant and neurotoxin.
a. Radon
b. Mercury
c. Asbestos
d. Benzene
56. These bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, but they put less mercury into the environment than traditional bulbs using coal-generated electricity.
a. Incandescent bulbs
b. CFL bulbs
c. LED bulbs
d. Neon lights
57. This source of electricity generation is extremely efficient; however, the very high associated risks and costs have made it controversial.
a. Coal
b. Nuclear power
c. Hydropower
d. Wind
58. Since tankless coil water heaters use a home’s furnace to heat water, they are not very efficient in:
a. Warmer climates
b. Colder climates
c. Dry climates
d. Damp climates
59. This fairly common type of water heater is inefficient in the sense that it keeps water continuously hot whether or not it is being used.
a. Tankless
b. Storage
c. Solar
d. Heat Pump
60. The largest source of electricity generation currently is:
a. Natural gas
b. Propane
c. Coal
d. Solar Power
61. Electrical energy, which is the amount of energy consumed, is measured in:
a. Kilowatts
b. Lumens
c. Kilowatt Hours
d. BTUs
62. This source of electricity generation uses heat energy from underneath the ground to generate power.
a. Biomass
b. Geothermal
c. Solar
d. Wind
63. A family is looking at a home with a large family room but few windows. They are concerned with the lack of natural lighting and the added energy costs of using lights constantly. What might you suggest?
a. A metal reflective roof
b. A tubular skylight
c. Incandescent light bulbs
d. Solar panels on the roof
64. Of all residential water use, what percentage does irrigation of lawns and gardens use?
a. One half
b. One third
c. One fourth
d. One tenth
65. A homeowner is interested in collecting water for use during future droughts. What might you suggest?
a. A rain barrel
b. Extra hoses
c. Ditches
d. Culverts
66. What is an environmental concern with many traditional paints?
a. They are water-based
b. They have multiple pigments
c. They become toxic over time
d. They contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
67. A client is thinking of ways to save money and be environmentally conscious about their deck furniture. All of the following suggestions would be good EXCEPT:
a. Purchasing new furniture
b. Shopping for furniture at yard sales
c. Looking on second hand furniture websites
d. Shopping at flea markets
68. In a discussion with a client, you suggest three water-saving items for use outside the home. What are they?
a. Rain barrel, yard sprinkler system, rain garden
b. Yard sprinkler system, native plants, rain barrel
c. Native plants, yard sprinkler system, rain barrel
d. Rain garden, rain barrel, native plants
69. A client really wants to use cedar shakes for a roof remodeling job; however, she is concerned about the massive environmental impact of cutting old-growth forest. What may be her best option?
a. Use sustainably harvested eastern cedar
b. Use recycled asphalt shingles
c. Use shakes made from another wood such as pine
d. Install a green roof
70. Which of the following cannot be easily composted?
a. Meats and oils
b. Banana peels
c. Leaves and grass
d. Vegetable clippings
71. A family may purchase a new home with no yard space. They are very interested in gardening, but do not want raised beds in the little space they have. The home has an asphalt roof in need of replacement. What roof might you suggest they consider?
a. A slate tile roof
b. A metal roof
c. A green roof
d. A new asphalt roof
72. How can you tell if a lawn needs watering?
a. It does not spring back when stepped on
b. Lawns need water every day
c. It has not grown fast recently
d. It will appear patchy
73. A rain garden is usually made to be:
a. Higher than the surroundings
b. Lower than the surroundings
c. Level with the surroundings
d. Of varying heights
74. A client is interested in a property but is concerned over the amount of sunlight hitting the deck throughout the day. One relatively easy way to alleviate this problem is by:
a. Moving the deck
b. Planting fast-growing trees for shade
c. Painting the deck a darker color
d. Replacing the railing on the deck
75. A property with a large lawn and many trees has a lot of leaves and grass clippings to deal with. How could this yard waste be put to good use?
a. Send it to the landfill
b. It has no good use
c. Compost it for garden use
d. Sell it to a local garden center
76. What is an advantage of metal roofing materials?
a. They are inexpensive
b. They can be installed by most homeowners
c. They are great insulators
d. They can be recycled easily
77. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, , what is the median cost of replacing a roof on a medium-sized, two-story home in the United States closest to?
a. $12,000
b. $2500
c. $7,000
d. $1,000
78. A property has a nice wooden fence that needs a bit of upkeep. One environmentally friendly option is to use a paint that:
a. Contains VOCs
b. Is more expensive
c. Contains natural pigments
d. Is darker in color
79. A client has mentioned an interest in gardening and is considering a property with excess building materials. If they plant to plant fruit or vegetables, what materials should they avoid when building the garden?
a. Pressure treated wood
b. Field stones
c. Red bricks
d. Pine slabs
80. Which roofing option can be made from recycled tires?
a. Rubber
b. Slate tile
c. Asphalt shingle
d. Metal
81. A family is considering a home in sunny south Florida, but they may need to replace the roof to save on cooling costs. The roof is not reinforced for extra weight. Which roof would make sense for them?
a. A green roof
b. A black shingle roof
c. A black tar roof
d. A reflective metal roof
82. While walking a property, you notice numerous exterior light fixtures. A client likes the property but is concerned about the average electric bill. You might suggest:
a. Installing energy-efficient lights
b. Not using the lights at all
c. Using flashlights instead
d. Replacing the light fixtures
83. Rain gardens are best planted with:
a. Native plants
b. Vegetables
c. Fruit trees
d. Invasive species
84. Why is it better to not use water collected in a rain barrel on edible plants?
a. The rainwater may collect contaminants from the roof
b. The rainwater is inherently unhealthy
c. The rainwater is too acidic
d. The rainwater is stored for too long
85. One way to help conserve water and make good use of storm runoff is to:
a. Install a koi pond
b. Build a berm
c. Make a rain garden
d. Pave part of the yard
86. How much water does the average family in the United States use every day?
a. 320 gallons
b. 3 gallons
c. 320,000 gallons
d. Less than a gallon
87. A client is very interested in a home but disappointed that the yard is too small for gardening. What could you suggest she do?
a. Find another home
b. Find a different hobby
c. Install raised bed gardens
d. Install a rain garden
88. Another term for a depression in the lawn designed to collect rain water is a:
a. Dug out
b. Culvert
c. Swale
d. Rain barrel
89. According to Appraisal Journal, remodeling that saves $100 per year in energy costs will add what value to your home?
a. $2000
b. $20,000
c. $10,000
d. $100
90. What feature of a home makes a rain barrel relatively effective and easy to install?
a. Rain gardens
b. Metal roof
c. Aluminum siding
d. Gutters
91. Which roofing option is best for collecting rain water in a rain barrel?
a. Asphalt roof
b. Metal roof
c. Green roof
d. Cedar shake
92. Incandescent light bulbs are very inefficient because they produce more ______ than light.
a. Noise
b. Heat
c. Mercury
d. Greenhouse gases
93. Keeping a clean house, including drapes and bedding, can help to minimize:
a. Pesticides
b. Asbestos
c. Lead
d. Biological pollutants
94. A shower releases 10 gallons of water over a 2-minute period. What is the flow rate?
a. 20 gallons per minute
b. 12 gallons per minute
c. 5 gallons per minute
d. 4 gallons per minute
95. An aerator is a component that helps reduce flow rate on:
a. Toilets
b. Washing machines
c. Faucets
d. Dishwashers
96. The EPA’s ENERGY STAR label goes to products that:
a. Conserve water
b. Reduce air pollution
c. Minimize energy use
d. Reduce environmental toxins
97. Increasing the ______ is a simple way to improve indoor air quality.
a. Ventilation
b. Temperature in the home
c. Moisture in the home
d. Greenhouse gases
98. The process of water changing from a liquid to a gas at the surface of the oceans is called:
a. Freezing
b. Condensation
c. Evaporation
d. Sublimation
99. When washing clothes, _____ may save a lot of energy.
a. Using cold water only
b. Doing only small loads
c. Using hot water only
d. Using a machine with a high water factor
100. Lead is particularly harmful to children since it can affect _____ .
a. Brain development
b. Hearing development
c. Eyesight clarity
d. Metabolism
101. A washing machine with a capacity of 3 cubic feet that uses 12 gallons of water has a water factor of:
a. 4
b. 6
c. 12
d. 90
102. Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because it is:
a. Invisible and odorless
b. Radioactive
c. A carcinogen
d. Inside of pressed wood furniture
103. This type of toilet uses less water for liquid waste:
a. Composting toilet
b. Outhouse
c. Dual-flush toilet
d. Pit toilet
104. This type of electrical generation produces highly radioactive waste.
a. Solar
b. Wind
c. Coal
d. Nuclear
105. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen that is most likely to be found in:
a. Basements
b. Furniture adhesives
c. Painted walls in older homes
d. Damp areas
106. What are the two top water users in a home?
a. Toilets and washing machines
b. Faucets and showerheads
c. Leaks and washing machines
d. Toilets and faucets
107. This radioactive element is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
a. Lead
b. Asbestos
c. Radon
d. Plutonium
108. Which of the following is NOT a major water user in a home?
a. Toilets
b. Washing machines
c. Showers
d. Indoor plants
109. Where in a home is asbestos most likely to be found?
a. Insulation
b. The basement
c. Paint on the walls
d. The garage

110. This process is used to extract natural gas more easily from the earth. However, its safety has been brought into question as it can contaminate groundwater and wells.
a. Fracking
b. Drilling
c. Mountain top removal
d. Coal mining
111. The advantage of a tankless water heater is that it only produces hot water when:
a. It is needed
b. The sun is shining
c. It is windy
d. It is winter
112. The WaterSense label is given to products that are:
a. 20% more efficient than standard models
b. Twice as efficient as standard models
c. Substantially less expensive than average
d. 50% more energy-efficient
113. A family uses 200 kWh during the month. If the power company charges $0.10 per kWh, how much will they pay for their energy?
a. $2,000
b. $200
c. $20
d. $2
114. This type of light bulb has the longest life and may last more than 20 years.
a. Incandescents
b. CFLs
c. Black lights
d. LEDs
115. Mercury, a dangerous neurotoxin, is released into the atmosphere when this fuel is used to generate electricity.
a. Propane
b. Natural gas
c. Biomass
d. Coal
116. A 60-watt incandescent light bulb is on for 4 hours. How many hours could a 15-watt CFL be used for the same amount of overall energy?
a. 1 hour
b. 4 hours
c. 16 hours
d. 40 hours
117. This dangerous element is sometimes found on older painted walls:
a. Carbon monoxide
b. Radon
c. Asbestos
d. Lead
118. Most of the water on earth is found in these two forms:
a. Salt water and frozen water
b. Lake and river water
c. Groundwater and well water
d. Pond and spring water
119. What is the water factor for a washing machine with a 3-cubic-feet capacity that uses 9 gallons of water?
a. 3
b. 4
c. 5
d. 6

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