Our family made a commitment to create less waste, drive less, eat local, organic foods, and make an effort to counter commercialism and consumer culture. We’ve tried to simplify our lives, and tried to give Georgia our focus and time, instead of an endless supply of things. In January I made some Green Resolutions, which we reviewed back in March, and said we’d check in again in June to see how we’re doing. So, how are we doing?

Well, we’ve already assimilated the basics into our lives, replacing light bulbs, turning off phantom powered appliances, using green cleaning options, checking our food not just for nutrients but also for its ecological footprint. But we made five goals, and I wish I could say we’ve put them into place as easily. But I bare my soul to you, hoping you’ll have some sympathy and suggestions!

Spend more time in the great outdoors. B+
We’ve got two camping trips planned! We’re not the kind of people who can enjoy nature in the cold and rain, so our frigid spring and Juneuary have cowed us somewhat. But now that school is out and the sun has returned we will be able to take advantage of some nature hikes in our local parks, and look forward to some simple car camping. Any camping recipe ideas for me?

Make public transportation our first choice means of getting around. C-
We still don’t use public transportation that often, certainly not for the main trips that we take. Grocery shopping and dropping Georgia off at school or daycare are the two main trips, and since I use any Georgia-free time to work I can’t justify spending the time on the bus. We do walk a lot, to the library and video store, and often do light grocery trips on foot. Georgia now asks to take the car, and I have resort to asking for sympathy for the polar bears and reminding her about pollution. We’re car-free at least one day a week, but it’s just because we’re not going anywhere. I’m not sure how we can do better on this until the fall, when I hope to be riding our still-to-be-procured bikes to Kindergarten every day!

Use less water. B
We’re still in the same, er, boat here: though it feels like we’re more aware of water, and my showers are definitely shorter despite the demise of the shower timer I got to curtail my long shower habit, our water use remains about the same. We’ve done all the small things, I got the kits to make the toilets use less water, and we’ve already installed faucet aerators on the sinks and showers. Hova could still probably use less water washing dishes. (Is it just our family, or is mostly the mama who does all the greening?) The next steps are bigger than we can take right now, like diverting our gutters into rain barrels and putting in a rainwater toilet like Georgia’s pal Baxter’s family did. I’d also like to turn our parking strip into a bioswale or rain garden. But those are dream projects, so we’ll have to sit in our boat going nowhere for now.

Eat less meat. A-
With food prices getting higher and higher, and my resolve to give my family healthy, responsibly raised and grown food, our meat consumption has slowed a lot. Beans and rice, whole wheat pasta and tofu are taking center stage again, and though it takes more creativity than a simple chicken dinner, it does feel healthier.

Try to organize and simplify. C
Simplifying has helped us to not covet our neighbor’s flat screen TV, and to just be in the moment with Georgia and not trying to fill her life with activities, classes and sports. But the organizing part? We get some points for effort, but we take on one project and it leads to more unruly piles around the house, leaving us distressed and unsatisfied. I read the articles, but I lack the time and mind to devote to big cleaning projects. I fear this is another resolution that will have to wait until Georgia is in school.

Of the five resolutions, we’re still doing well with two. We haven’t given up on the others, but haven’t found a way to make them a part of our wanna-be greener lifestyle. I know change happens slowly, and every little step makes a difference, but it’s discouraging to see half the year gone and not be much farther into the ecological flow.

Is anyone else having a hard time moving to the next green level?