How Green Are you? Measure your Greendex! Calculator from National Geographic.

[dalegg 143]

Bogus test.

What does this have to do with being green? Is feeling good about yourself make you green?

"People in all countries should have the same standard of living as people in the most wealthy countries."

#######?

I'm having a hard time figuring out why imported foods are more or less green.

[BabyBlueSusie 1]

52, that will definitely go down when we move to indiana and have to buy a car

[Jenn! 918]

I'm having a hard time figuring out why imported foods are more or less green.

pollution/gas consumption involved in importing them, I'd think

[Sister Fracas 5]

59

The only question that bothered me was "do you plan on buying a energy saving car?" Well, I said no we don't have nor do we intend to buy one, but we don't have a car period so that should have allowed for N/A answer. Other thigs were out of our control as well, like energy saving appliance....we rent so don't buy those things.

Edited May 8, 2008 by Sister Fracas

[Imua 0]

59

The only question that bothered me was "do you plan on buying a energy saving car?" Well, I said no we don't have nor do we intend to buy one, but we don't have a car period so that should have allowed for N/A answer. Other thigs were out of our control as well, like energy saving appliance....we rent so don't buy those things.

Same here - I don't intend on buying a car, period - also heating, appliances are provided by landlord.

[DeadPoolX 9]

Apparently, I rate a "46" which is higher than the so-called "average" American and on par, it seems, with many in Canada, Spain and France, but still lower than most of the other countries listed. Interestingly enough, I noticed something about how the Greendex was calculated. I wonder if anyone else picked up on it too.

The countries with the "highest standard of living" were, for the most part, rated poorer in this roundup than countries with "lesser standards of living." I suppose a more technological and fast-paced lifestyle somehow equates to being "less green."

Look at two of the highest rated countries on there, according to the Greendex: Mexico and India. I'm sure they're fine countries in their own right (I've been to Mexico, but never to India), but I can't imagine most of the citizens living there would willingly choose to forgo the comforts afforded to people in more industrialized nations. Maybe some would, but I have trouble believing the majority would prefer to take life on without much of what we take for granted.

I suppose in some way, it makes sense. The less technologically advanced a country is, the less pollution and overall effect they can have on the world. If the country is economically and technologically poorer, the citizens would be forced to go about their day performing tasks that would be considered "green." The main difference, I think, is that not a whole lot of this is done because it's a choice, but a necessity. Here in the U.S. and other countries like us, we have the option to choose whether or not we want to walk or drive; many people in many countries lack that seemingly "normal" luxury.

Edited May 8, 2008 by DeadPoolX

[Imua 0]

PR, you live in a wealthy country and you don't have that. Neither do I. Equating life in a wealthy country to having a McMansion and SUV is silly. Most of us don't.

True - but my mom's lifestyle is similar and - though she recently traded in her SUV for a Prius(at the right time, since now many dealers will not take SUVs as trade-ins anymore - smart mom ). She lives in a large suburban house with my stepfather. There are two people, three bathrooms. From where I stand that is living in the lap of luxury. It is a culture shock for me coming to visit from what she has called my 'Third World' living conditions(she has never traveled to the Third World). It is a confusing question - there is so much variation in income and lifestyle in the US but at least we have food and water that will generally not make us sick and free public education - most developing coutries can't even take that for granted.

[*JG* 2]

Woo hoo.....Surprisingly, I got a 68.

[Scott & Lai 12]

47

Apparently showering with hot water and cooking your food (stoves are included under "home heating") is bad

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Bogus test.

What does this have to do with being green? Is feeling good about yourself make you green?

"People in all countries should have the same standard of living as people in the most wealthy countries."

#######?

I was wondering when someone would point that out.

Also, India has a very high score. I've lived in India. No way do I want to go back to that lifestyle

Yup. It's all about balance. But the far left wants us living in poverty but we'll be oh sooo green living in a cave eating local food with no heat on.

[DeadPoolX 9]

Bogus test.

What does this have to do with being green? Is feeling good about yourself make you green?

"People in all countries should have the same standard of living as people in the most wealthy countries."

#######?

I was wondering when someone would point that out.

Also, India has a very high score. I've lived in India. No way do I want to go back to that lifestyle

Yup. It's all about balance. But the far left wants us living in poverty but we'll be oh sooo green living in a cave eating local food with no heat on.

On the upside, there'd be very little housework and cleaning to get done, so we'd have more leisure time after work.

[*JG* 2]

I think most of us on this site will have issues with the imported foods.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

59

The only question that bothered me was "do you plan on buying a energy saving car?" Well, I said no we don't have nor do we intend to buy one, but we don't have a car period so that should have allowed for N/A answer. Other thigs were out of our control as well, like energy saving appliance....we rent so don't buy those things.

Same here - I don't intend on buying a car, period - also heating, appliances are provided by landlord.

But you still use those things. You're not more green because someone else pays for your stuff.

[JeanneVictoria 55]

56

[Ban Hammer 13,352]

The calculator is at http://event.nationalgeographic.com/greendex/calculator.html

My score was 41. US average was 44.9, the lowest of 14 countries surveyed.

i got a 42, nya nya nya. i guess with the trees out back it could be even higher.