Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Resolution Look Back- Environmental Issues

It's time for a look back at my New Years Resolutions for lessening consumption and enriching our lives. Have I made any headway on my goals? There's always room for improvement, but I was impressed that I have gotten as much done on these as I have!

Build Efficient Compost Piles
Done! I created our new double width compost pile out of old pallets and fencing. It's working fabulously! No smell, no animals... and things are breaking down fairly quickly, too!

Plant Buffalo Grass (or other native grass)
Well, when we have an area ready to plant... this will probably be a fall project.

Use My Human Powered Lawnmower
So far so good...

Replace the Front and Back Doors
Well, we bought the new front door... but we haven't figured out what we are doing with the back space yet. The current (hollow core) back door may disappear entirely in the remodel.

Seal ALL Windows and Doors/Apply Weatherstripping
Well, I bought it. Does that count? At least I will have it for applying NEXT fall.

Bed Warmers
It's too hot for bedwarmers... but maybe next fall.

Shop at the Farmer's Market FIRST

There are two in town... the Thursday morning market doesn't open until June 21st, but the Tuesday morning market supposedly opens in two weeks...

Join a CSA

We decided to NOT join a CSA this summer. We thought about it, and realized we just don't eat enough food to go through a whole share, or even a half share. We'll buy what we need from the farmer's market each week instead.

Plant a Vegetable Garden

Slow going here... I'll be lucky to have the beds ready in time for tomato and pepper season. Maybe I can splurge on some half grown plants to fill out the rest this year...

Replace Old Plastic Tupperwares
Done. We bought a lovely set of Pyrex bowls with lids. At 2 and 4 cups, they are just perfect for packing lunches or preserving a serving or two of food.

Find or Make Reusable Produce Bags

I have NOT bought or make reusable produce bags as of yet. I HAVE, however, started reusing the ones we have. When we take produce out of a bag, we fold it up and put it in a tupperware in the fridge. Then, when we go shopping, I take the used bags and use them FIRST. Occasionally one gets a little gross or rips, but I would estimate we are getting 4 or 5 uses out of each bag now. Little steps...

Buy Only Used (as much as possible)
We've been trying! I've joined a couple "no buy" challenges this spring, which have really helped me figure out what I really DON'T need. It's been a while since I've bought anything new for the house, too... we're getting better!

5 comments:

Jennifer said...

I am going to look a little more closely at some of our plans vs needs and try to incorporate some of these great ideas into our lives. Thanks!

Why S? said...

We can't all have a compost pile but the reusable produce bag is a good idea that I hadn't thought of. We take them so for granted and give our waste no thought at all. Thanks for thinking.

Jill -Forever and Ever House said...

WOw! Your list is so inspiring!! I've been making small steps too lesson my "footprint" on the environment. You have some great ideas here that are inspiring me to go a step further!!

Humble wife said...

What a great list. We are in the process of moving our compost pile...neat to see that your path sounds similar to mine.

We have decided to recycle and reuse as much as possible in our old farm home makeover...and it is getting interesting as we all are joining in the thinking of how to use things.

btw- do you use freecycle?
Jennifer

Green Bean said...

Can you come over and help out with my compost pile???

BTW, I recently read that you can stick plastic produce bags in the clothes washer, with clothes, to clean them. I did that this morning and it worked like a charm.