Answers:
1.) Correct answer: C
The USDA has established relatively tight definitions for the use of the term “organic” (but for food only… not for cosmetics or personal care products). The other terms on this list (and many others) do not have definitions established by a government regulatory body, or other organization with authority over food producers.

2.) Correct answer: D
“A CSA, (for Community Supported Agriculture) is a way for the food buying public to create a relationship with a farm and to receive a weekly basket of produce. By making a financial commitment to a farm, people become ‘members’ (or ’shareholders,’ or ’subscribers’) of the CSA.” Though you may have trouble purchasing a CSA membership this year (as they’re generally sold before the growing season), Local Harvest can help you find one for next year.

3.) Correct answer: D
According to veterinarian Shawn Messonnier (author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats), chemical flea products often aren’t necessary, and can accumulate in your pet’s body.

4.) Correct answer: A
While no one can say with certainty that phthalates, a compound used to soften PVC-based plastics, are harmful to humans, we do know they’re toxic in animalsthey’re toxic in animals

5.) Correct answer: D

6.) Correct answer: C
While all of the choices above will help you save energy and money, home heating and cooling represent the biggest chunk of our energy use

7.) Correct answer: D

8.) Correct answer: B
While D may be the truly correct answer, most of us probably don’t have that kind of time or inclination. As beauty and style blog Feelgood Style notes, “Believe it or not you can get too much of a good thing and we may be overdoing it without even realizing it.  Most of us use too many beauty products. Not only that, but we tend to use too much of each product at one time.” Still unsure about the products you are buying?  Check the Environmental Working Group’s “Skin Deep” cosmetics safety database. And remember: ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products are not regulated (so the labels mentioned in A. and C. could mean little or nothing).

9.) Correct answer: D
While mashed bananas can be used to substitute for eggs in certain circumstances, you need to make sure that any egg replacement you use (and there are many of them) performs the same function as the eggs did in the original recipe.  The Vegan Society has a great list of vegan egg alternatives.

10.) Correct answer: All of the above
As Kermit the Frog said, “It ain’t easy being green.”  Technically, all of these gifts are “green.” But a case of light bulbs for a birthday gift?? Gift certificates certainly cut back on immediate resource use, but a steak dinner (that can’t be traced to its source) likely has a pretty high environmental footprint. The last two options are also good, but if your friend’s not into yoga, or has already planted her tomatoes (or, god forbid, doesn’t like tomatoes), these gifts could be a bust, no matter how green. Look for the balance between a low environmental footprint, and expressing how much your relationship with this friend means to you.

Scoring:
9-10: You’re a green guru… you should be writing tips instead of reading them!
7-8: You’re on your way — and if you read the next 18 posts in this series, “30 Days to a Greener You” — you’ll be a green guru by the end of the month!
5-6: You’ll definitely want to keep tabs on the “30 Days to a Greener You” series, and take a look at the lists of tips that come through your inbox, or appear on various websites during April.
0-4: Immediately subscribe to the RSS feeds of all of the sites listed above (and Intent’s “Planet” feed)… you have much to learn, my friend!
Happy Earth Day, all!

Ready to save the planet? Post your green intent and blog about your green successes and struggles on Intent. Tag your posts “greener life” and we may feature your post in this series!

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg is the founder and editor of sustainablog, a co-founder and former Senior Editor of Green Options Media, and a former writer at Treehugger.

Intent.com provides content and community for who you aspire to be–personally, socially and globally.