Transwestern Earth Day Quiz

1. Which of the following products should never be disposed of into sewers or septic systems?

Use oil

Hazardous waste

Cleaners

All of the above

All of the above products should never be disposed of into sewers or septic systems because they can cause serious environmental damage. Use oil can clog pipes and cause blockages, hazardous waste can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life, and cleaners can contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment. It is important to properly dispose of these products according to local regulations to protect the environment and public health.

Explanation

All of the above products should never be disposed of into sewers or septic systems because they can cause serious environmental damage. Use oil can clog pipes and cause blockages, hazardous waste can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life, and cleaners can contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment. It is important to properly dispose of these products according to local regulations to protect the environment and public health.

2. What American river caught fire in 1969 prompting multiple pollution control measures?

The Scioto River

The Calumet River

The Cuyahoga River

The Fox River

In 1969, the Cuyahoga River in America caught fire, leading to the implementation of various pollution control measures. This incident brought attention to the severe pollution problem in the river, which was heavily contaminated with industrial waste and sewage. The fire served as a catalyst for the environmental movement and led to the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972, which aimed to regulate and reduce water pollution in the United States.

Explanation

In 1969, the Cuyahoga River in America caught fire, leading to the implementation of various pollution control measures. This incident brought attention to the severe pollution problem in the river, which was heavily contaminated with industrial waste and sewage. The fire served as a catalyst for the environmental movement and led to the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972, which aimed to regulate and reduce water pollution in the United States.

3. What does 350, the 'Magic Number' of climate change, refer to?

350 million megawatts of energy from carbon dioxide-free sources

350 million hybrid/electric cards on the road globally

350 million kiloliters of ocean water

350 parts per million of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmospher

The 'Magic Number' of climate change, 350, refers to the concentration of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere, measured in parts per million. This number is significant because it is considered the safe upper limit to avoid catastrophic climate change. Keeping the concentration of carbon dioxide below 350 parts per million is crucial in order to mitigate the effects of global warming and maintain a stable climate.

Explanation

The 'Magic Number' of climate change, 350, refers to the concentration of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere, measured in parts per million. This number is significant because it is considered the safe upper limit to avoid catastrophic climate change. Keeping the concentration of carbon dioxide below 350 parts per million is crucial in order to mitigate the effects of global warming and maintain a stable climate.

4. How much of our air pollution comes from motor vehicles, such as cars and trucks?

30%

50%

75%

90%

Motor vehicles, such as cars and trucks, contribute to approximately 50% of our air pollution. This is because they emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter from their exhaust systems. These pollutants can have harmful effects on human health and the environment, including respiratory problems and the formation of smog. Implementing measures to reduce vehicle emissions, such as promoting electric vehicles and improving fuel efficiency, is crucial in reducing air pollution.

Explanation

Motor vehicles, such as cars and trucks, contribute to approximately 50% of our air pollution. This is because they emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter from their exhaust systems. These pollutants can have harmful effects on human health and the environment, including respiratory problems and the formation of smog. Implementing measures to reduce vehicle emissions, such as promoting electric vehicles and improving fuel efficiency, is crucial in reducing air pollution.

5. The average U.S. citizen produces how much waste each day?

3.5 pounds

4.4 pounds

6.1 pounds

10.0 pounds

The correct answer is 4.4 pounds. This is the average amount of waste that a U.S. citizen produces each day. This includes both residential and commercial waste, such as food waste, packaging materials, and other disposable items. This amount of waste can have a significant impact on the environment and highlights the need for sustainable waste management practices.

Explanation

The correct answer is 4.4 pounds. This is the average amount of waste that a U.S. citizen produces each day. This includes both residential and commercial waste, such as food waste, packaging materials, and other disposable items. This amount of waste can have a significant impact on the environment and highlights the need for sustainable waste management practices.