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Thanks for testing your green smarts with our What Shade of Green Are You? quiz. Visit us at Facebook for more fun quiz action! Being green doesn’t have to be difficult and can be really fun!  It’s all about protecting the planet by keeping better track of how we use our resources. We know that everyone can go green, one step at a time!

Haven’t had a chance to see what shade you are? Test your smarts now before reading below…

Transportation

While spaceships, buses, and cars require copious amounts of fossil fuel, trains run on electricity, making them the most efficient way to travel. A proposed bullet train from California to New York could get you there in 10 hours!

Lowering Your Carbon Emission

An unplugged appliance uses zero energy and is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint.  While the switch may be turned to off, appliances that are plugged into outlets continually suck energy from the outlet even when not in use.  For more ideas on a “low-carb” lifestyle read our feature, How to Save Money and Save the Earth.

Avoiding Toxic Chemicals

Not only are baking soda and vinegar the best option for clearing a clogged drain, they can be used to remove tough stains and grease as well. Draino contains ingredients that the Environmental Working Group has identified as potentially carcinogenic and ecologically hazardous.  While the hot water garbage disposal trick may work it comes with the expense of wasting about 6 gallons of water and unnecessary electricity.

Best Way to Clean Up After Pets

Biobag and the folks at Peepoople have not only developed cool biodegradeable bags for use with your dog walking chores, but have extended their use to humans as well!  These bags won’t be lurking in dumps for centuries to come and reduce risk of spreading bacteria associated with waste.

The Best Meal to Eat

Home cooked meals are the best choice because they’re the least processed and most nutrient dense.  Purchasing fresh food from local markets rather than the large industrial model drives down the cost and independence upon oil and water for manufacture and shipment.

Christine M. Dionese L.Ac. specializes in integrative medicine, medical journalism and was the VP of marketing at WellWire LLC. Visit her wellness and lifestyle blog, Reaching Beyond Now.