How Green Are You? 10 Questions to Assess Your Carbon Footprint

Introduction

Are you curious about your environmental impact? Wondering if your daily habits are helping or hurting the planet? Our “How Green Are You?” quiz is designed for beginners and families who want to assess their carbon footprint in a fun, friendly, and informative way. By answering these lifestyle-based questions, you’ll discover where you shine and where you can improve. At the end, you’ll find out if you’re an Eco Newbie, a Green Explorer, an Everyday Eco Hero, or a Carbon Neutral Pro—plus get actionable tips to level up your green game!

How to Play

• Read each question carefully.
• Choose the answer that best matches your usual habits.
• Keep track of your answers (A, B, C, or D).
• At the end, tally your responses to see your result and get personalized tips for reducing your carbon footprint.

Quiz Questions

1. How do you usually get to work, school, or your main daily activity?

A. I drive alone in a gasoline or diesel car
B. I carpool or use public transport
C. I walk or bike whenever possible
D. I mostly work or study from home and rarely travel

2. What’s your approach to home energy use?

A. I leave lights, electronics, or heating/cooling on when not needed
B. I try to turn things off, but sometimes forget
C. I use energy-saving products (LED bulbs, smart thermostats) and unplug devices
D. My home is powered by renewable energy and I’m vigilant about energy-saving habits

3. How do you handle food and meals?

A. I eat a lot of meat and processed foods
B. I try to include some plant-based meals each week
C. I eat mostly vegetarian or vegan, and buy local/seasonal produce
D. I grow some of my own food and avoid food waste

4. What’s your attitude toward shopping and stuff?

A. I love shopping and often buy new clothes, gadgets, or home goods
B. I buy new things when needed and sometimes look for eco-friendly options
C. I prefer second-hand, upcycled, or sustainably made products
D. I rarely buy new things and always consider the environmental impact

5. How do you deal with waste and recycling?

A. Most things go in the trash
B. I recycle paper, plastic, and glass when it’s convenient
C. I recycle, compost, and try to minimize waste
D. I aim for zero waste—reuse, repair, compost, and recycle everything possible

6. How do you use water at home?

A. I take long showers and let the tap run
B. I try to be mindful but sometimes forget
C. I use water-saving fixtures and limit water use
D. I harvest rainwater, use greywater, and monitor water usage closely

7. How do you travel for vacations or long-distance trips?

A. I fly several times a year and take frequent road trips
B. I take one or two flights a year and try to offset them
C. I mostly travel by train, bus, or carpool, and rarely fly
D. I vacation locally or choose low-carbon travel options

8. What’s your home like?

A. It’s large, older, and not very energy-efficient
B. It’s average-sized and I’ve made some efficiency upgrades
C. It’s small or shared, with good insulation and efficient appliances
D. It’s eco-certified, uses renewable energy, and is built for sustainability

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9. How do you handle electronics and digital habits?

A. I upgrade to the latest devices often and leave them plugged in
B. I use devices until they break, and try to recycle old ones
C. I buy refurbished electronics and unplug them when not in use
D. I minimize screen time, use green web services, and offset my digital footprint

10. How do you influence others?

A. I don’t really talk about environmental issues
B. I share tips occasionally with friends or family
C. I encourage others to make greener choices
D. I lead by example and actively participate in community sustainability efforts

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Scoring

For each question, give yourself:

• A = 1 point
• B = 2 points
• C = 3 points
• D = 4 points

Add up your total score to find your result!

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Results – How Green Are You?

10–16 Points: Eco Newbie

You’re just starting your green journey. Don’t worry—everyone starts somewhere! Small changes, like switching to LED bulbs or recycling, can make a big difference. Try picking one new eco-friendly habit each week.

Tips for Eco Newbies:

• Replace your five most-used lights with LEDs.
• Start recycling paper and plastic.
• Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
• Walk, bike, or use public transport once a week.

17–25 Points: Green Explorer

You’re making an effort and starting to think about your impact. You’re curious, open to change, and ready to try new things. Keep exploring sustainable living and challenge yourself to go greener.

Tips for Green Explorers:

• Try a “meatless Monday” or plant-based meal each week.
• Use a smart thermostat to save energy.
• Shop second-hand or swap clothes with friends.
• Set up a compost bin for food scraps.

26–33 Points: Everyday Eco Hero

You’re a sustainability superstar in your daily life! You make conscious choices, inspire others, and are always looking for new ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Keep up the great work and consider sharing your knowledge with your community.

Tips for Everyday Eco Heroes:

• Offset your travel emissions with a trusted carbon offset provider.
• Help your workplace or school become more eco-friendly.
• Host a neighborhood swap or repair event.
• Advocate for local green initiatives.

34–40 Points: Carbon Neutral Pro

You’re a leader in sustainable living and a true carbon neutral pro! Your lifestyle is a model for others, and you’re making a real difference. Keep pushing boundaries and help others join you on the journey to a greener world.

Tips for Carbon Neutral Pros:

• Mentor others who want to live more sustainably.
• Invest in renewable energy for your home.
• Support or volunteer with environmental organizations.
• Share your story to inspire a wider audience.

Personalized Action Plan

No matter your score, here are some beginner-friendly ways to shrink your carbon footprint:

• Switch to renewable energy: If possible, choose a green energy provider or install solar panels.
• Eat more plant-based meals: Even one or two a week can reduce emissions.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle: Buy less, choose durable goods, and recycle everything you can.
• Travel smarter: Walk, bike, carpool, or use public transport whenever possible.
• Offset what you can’t reduce: Use a reputable carbon offset provider like Coffset to balance out unavoidable emissions.

Why Assess Your Carbon Footprint?

Understanding your carbon footprint is the first step toward meaningful change. By identifying the biggest sources of emissions in your lifestyle, you can focus your efforts where they’ll have the most impact. Plus, every small step adds up—especially when families, friends, and communities work together.

Share Your Results!

How green are you? Encourage your friends and family to take the quiz. Compare scores, share tips, and challenge each other to become greener together. The journey to sustainability is more fun—and more effective—when you do it as a team.

Additional Resources

• Coffset’s Free Carbon Footprint Calculator
• Conservation International Carbon Footprint Quiz
• EPA: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home
• EU Climate Quiz Sample Questions (PDF)
• Oregon State University Carbon Footprint Worksheet (PDF)

After you’ve answered the ten questions, see where you really stand by plugging your results into Coffset’s carbon footprint calculator for an instant estimate. If you’d like to understand each input in depth, our Step‑by‑Step Guide to Calculate Your Carbon Footprint walks you through the methodology. For broader climate education and tips, visit the Carbon Learning Center.