My personal resolutions or goals for 2013 have been made. Now it is time to make a few goals specific to a greener lifestyle and environment so that I can ‘up my game’ in that department even more. It’s all part of being a socially responsible member of my community. I am excited to work on a few things that are lacking and also delve into new territory.

Goal #1 – Grow More Food!!

Last year was the first year we grew absolutely nothing and I feel rather disappointed in myself. We have a back porch that can house potted plants and we have a raised bed next to that. We can also use some of our lawn space if we can get away with it. So far I have decided to grow salad greens and bell peppers with perhaps one tomato plant. I know we (or the pet reptiles) will eat those things without letting anything go to waste. I would also like to add another raised bed next to the existing one if possible, plant a fruit tree in the front, build a compost box, and I definitely want to plant sunflowers this year!!! I have a few other ultimate goals in mind but I need to find my gardening groove first. I keep thinking that I shouldn’t invest much time or money in establishing the mini homestead I want because we rent and we could move. In actuality though I can’t see us moving anytime within the next few years so I just need to go for it.

Last night I watched the most inspiring video done by one of my gardening heroes, Shawna Coronado. I got to meet her last year in Detroit when I went to the NAIAS. She is amazing, as this video demonstrates. I hope I can be just a little more like her this year!

Goal #2 – Reduce Garbage and Plastic

We usually have way less garbage than our neighbors and that is a source of pride for me but I know I can do even better.  I want to be more conscious of the packaging and waste that comes into our home and also think ahead more so that I am not being wasteful when I am traveling or away from the home.

Goal #3 – Decorate Green

As I mentioned previously, being a renter and having moved several times over the past few years has put me in stall pattern. It made me not want to invest in a garden and it has made me not want to put much time or effort into making our home cozy and decorate it to my liking. I started to change that last year by hanging some art work but I need to do even more. I know I will be happier here if it feels more like home and not random place we are staying for awhile. I do not want to get carried away and buy stuff I don’t need though or stuff that isn’t planet friendly. To that end, I plan to visit more yard sales and garage sales in the area and look for deals on second hand furniture and decor.

What are your green goals for 2013???