My Greener Living Goals for 2013

Greener Living Goals for 2013

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This year, instead of ridiculous fitness and diet goals, or superficial goals like what I want to buy, I've decided to create a resolution list that is all about greener and eco-friendly living. Here are some of the things I want to do both for my family and my world.

1) Become a better label reader.

While I know how to read product labels, I don't always know which items or ingredients are the most harmful. I know that when sugar is the first ingredient, the product is mostly sugar, but I have not spent much time researching chemicals and their effects on the environment. This year, I will learn as much as I can about chemicals and ingredients so I can make safer choices.

2) Recycle MORE!

I recycle everything, but sometimes I get really lazy and toss out stuff. I hate that I do that, and I know I need to change my behavior. This year, The Quirky Momma will NOT get frustrated and toss out recyclable items.

3) Use my compost!

I have two composting systems--one is for personal use and one through my waste collection provider. My compost includes paper and plant materials, the other compost is for all food items. My goal for 2013 is to use MY OWN compost for herb and vegetable garden beds.

4) Plant an herb and vegetable garden.

This plays off the compost goal. Every year I tell myself that I will plant my own herbs and veggies. I rarely do, I buy the seeds, plant a few then forget about them. Ugh. What a waste. I use herbs everyday and planting my own would save my time and money plus I would gain the satisfaction of doing something myself!

5) Give up my love affair with bleach once and for all!

I spent most of the year not using bleach on my laundry, then I gave in to temptation and purchased a gallon for use on my laundry. I love how white my whites are when I use bleach. With three boys in the house, I'm finding myself ALWAYS bleaching their whites because, well, they are slobs! Non-chlorine bleach works just as well and it's so much better for my family and our world. No more bleach, Quirky Momma. Just do it!

6) Bike more.

I don't know how I can run my normal errands on a bicycle, but I can try. There is no reason why I can't pick up a prescription from the pharmacy and get myself a cup of Java on my bike. I really don't need to drive to the library, either. It's within walking distance so I need to get off my rear end and use my bike or feet to take my places.

7) Make more of my own products.

I make household cleaner and laundry soap, but there is no reason why I can't start making my own bar soap, liquid soap and other food items. No reason at all!

8) Learn how to can.

This is something I've always wanted to learn. My mother canned tomatoes, peaches, pears and pickles. Oh how I miss her pickles. I just need to get it together and learn how to can. There are so many resources at my finger tips--I need to take advantage of them and do this for my family.

9) Home Brewing.

Okay, so this isn't going to change the world but this is something my husband and I have always wanted to do. I'm not talking just beer, but root beer and Kombucha. This would save our family tons of money and would produce less waste than if we were to purchase all these beverages from a store.

10) Conserve energy.

As a larger family, we seem to use a lot of energy just keeping the house warm, water hot and every room well lit. We've switched to energy efficient bulbs in most places but the bathrooms. I have Hollywood lighting and the energy efficient bulbs don't look as pretty. This is clearly something I need to get over. We also need to work really hard at unplugging appliances we are not currently using. We tend to forget to unplug the toaster after use. Perhaps I should put little notes up reminding the children to unplug after use???

For my readers: Do you have any greener living resolutions for 2013? Please share them with me!