Update on the New Year’s Resolutions

Since it is February 1st, I thought I’d let you know how I’m doing with my green New Year’s resolutions.

1. Do not bring home any plastic bags

I have done exceptionally well here. In one month I have brought home one plastic bag that snuck into my groceries when a well-meaning bagger at the grocery wrapped some meat I bought in a plastic bag and stuck it in to my reusable grocery bags. Oops! My next goal is to find ways to enjoy the foods I love without bringing home all the packaging that is usually associated with them.

I highly recommend this Chico reusable bag. It has saved me a few times this month when I stopped somewhere to get something unexpectedly, and didn’t have my bags in the car. It folds up very small, and you can keep it in your purse or clip it to the side of your purse.

2. Hand wash dishes more often

I have been going back and forth on this one. There are many sources out there that say using a dishwasher is fine because they use the same or less energy than heating the water used to hand wash dishes. Other sources say no, hand washing uses less energy.

I find that when I use my dishwasher, my dishes just don’t get REALLY clean. I have not found a natural dish detergent that works well. I end up using a lot of water getting all the food off the dishes before I even put them in the dishwasher, and my glasses still don’t come out looking clean.

For this reason, hand washing dishes rocks. My dishes are not covered in chemicals from detergents that work better than the natural ones, and my glasses shine. I use Seventh Generation Free and Clear Dish Soap and it bubbles nicely and cleans my dishes well!

I do not like that my hands are soo dry from doing dishes, and that it takes slightly more time than a quick clean and putting them in the dishwasher, but perhaps I just need a nice pair of gloves to protect my hands and some good tunes to rock out to whilst washing…

3. Meal plan

I’m doing better, but still not quite up to the plan my brain requires to get through a week with only one grocery trip. Baby steps!

4. Air dry laundry

Let’s just say, EPIC FAIL! I haven’t done this yet.. I just have had no desire to hang cold clothes in my cold house in the cold winter.  I still really want to do this, just need to get going!

How about you? Did you make any resolutions, and how are you doing with them?