Redefined Goals

Goal 1: Make our next Energy Bill below $200 at most
As I've said in an earlier post, my November power bill came to $277. Having just gotten December's bill, we've already done a better job at energy conservation by reducing the bill to $235. But that's still not enough. I want to make sure our next bill, and all subsequent bills, will be below $200. Luckily, PSE offers us online service to keep track of our energy usage. There are other things I've been doing around the house as well to help conserve energy such as making sure unused lights are turned off, unused electronics and appliances are unplugged, and keeping my power strip turned off when not in use. We'll see how I'm doing on energy conservation come the next bill, and depending on how much I'm able to save, I'll shoot for perhaps an even lower bill afterwards.

Goal 2: Make sustainable purchase decisions
One way I've already began doing so is by buying organic produce. I've been getting organic apples every time I go to the store. But I think more importantly, I'm trying to focus on purchasing less when I go to store. I'm going to budget myself $30 weekly grocery, that way I'll only buy the stuff I'll eat. Also, the next time I go shopping for clothes, I'm going to go to a second-hand store first to see what I can find. Honestly, thrift stores have a more diverse range of styles for a cheaper price, so I don't really know why I haven't done more shopping there before.

Goal 3: Reduce my water consumption
This one I feel could be the biggest change. I like to take nice, relaxing showers that can end up around 20 minutes at their longest. I'm going to keep a timer in the bathroom to make sure my shower time is down to 5 minutes, allowing 10 at most.