Clean & Green – Were You Smarter Than Our 5th Graders? Here Are The Answers!

In an April issue of Athens Now, our Clean and Green article asked if you were smarter than our local 5th graders. We now have our answer!

Congratulations to Marcy Hamilton and Kathleen Cutting, who each answered all of the quiz questions correctly! Marcy’s name was drawn for the prize package, but Kathleen will receive a gift as well.

Several people took the quiz and came close, but did not end up in the winner’s circle. That’s ok, because the purpose of this quiz was to get you thinking about the topics. Our winners may be just that smart, or they may have taken advantage of the ability to look up the answers. Either way, we now know what you DO know and what you may NOT know.

Here are the questions and the correct answers from the quiz:
1. If you leave litter under the bleacher seat at a sporting event, is that littering even though someone may be paid to come and clean up?
The answer is YES. It is never someone else’s job to clean up after us. We should all take responsibility for our own trash. 100% of respondents answered correctly.

2. How many times can glass bottles and jars be recycled without losing quality?
Glass can be recycled ENDLESSLY without losing quality. That is why I personally try to purchase items in glass containers rather than plastic. Plastic can be toxic and never goes away. 98% of respondents answered correctly.

3. What percentage of all plastic created makes its way to the ocean?
10% of all plastic EVER MADE makes its way to the ocean — 10% from the very first plastic item created to the last one created today. It is so very important to recycle every plastic bottle and jar so the materials can be reused in new products. 31% of respondents answered correctly.

4. If you find a sick or injured bird, is it ok to take it home to nurse back to health?
It is not ok, particularly if the bird is a raptor. These birds will imprint on the caregiver very quickly and then rely on humans for providing food, causing them to live out their lives in captivity. These birds will never be able to survive in the wild. If you find an injured bird, visit https://www.awrc.org/ and look for the “Found an Animal?” section of the page and follow the instructions. 93% of respondents answered correctly.

5. Approximately 40 species of snakes live in Alabama. How many of them are venomous?
There are 6 venomous snakes: Water Moccasin (or Cottonmouth), Copperhead, Coral Snake, Timber Rattler, Eastern Diamondback Rattler, and Pigmy Rattler. 62% of respondents answered correctly.

6. How many trees are saved from being destroyed for every ton of paper recycled?
17 trees are spared from being cut down for every ton of paper recycled. Our city and county schools recycled nearly 130 tons of paper products during this past school year. That is 2,210 trees spared in one year by our school systems alone! 60% of respondents answered correctly.

7. Once an aluminum can is recycled, how long will it take for it to become a fresh, new can on a store shelf?
In just 6 short weeks, a recycled aluminum can will be processed, formed, and back on the store shelves. 64% of respondents answered correctly.

8. Which of the following statements are true about native plants? You may choose multiple answers. A) They provide the right food for native insects, birds, and wildlife. B) They are adapted to the local environment and require less care. C) They will not attract non-native insects and wildlife which could disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. D) They will not become invasive and choke out your garden.
All 4 answers are correct! Two invasive plants, Kudzu and Chinese Privet, were both brought in from China – one for erosion control and one as an ornamental shrub. Both have become extremely invasive and troublesome. 90% selected answers A and B, but only 45% of respondents selected all four.

9. What very important pollinator is suffering from Colony Collapse Disorder?
Honey bees have been affected by this disorder, causing serious concern. Honey bees are one of our most important pollinators which we rely upon for our food production. 100% of respondents answered correctly.

10. Name three things that trees provide that make them vitally important to humans and our environment.
We received a variety of correct answers. Trees are literally the lungs of the earth, providing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide and pollutants from the air and water. Trees also provide food, shelter, help prevent soil erosion, and cool the earth by absorbing the sun’s heat. We also rely on trees for fuel and building materials.

Thanks to all who participated and congratulations to our winners! Watch for more quizzes and information by following us on Facebook!
By: Lynne Hart