Did I Stick to My 2021 Resolutions?

Listen, as a Virgo through and through, I’m not sure there’s anyone who enjoys planning and setting goals more than me. But, it’s also important that we check in on our progress and see if we are actually meeting the goals that we set for ourselves.

As we come to the end of 2021, I’m looking back through the resolutions I set for myself at the beginning of the year to see how I did.

Resolution #1 Reusable produce bags (accomplished)

I actually ended up finding the rest of my reusable bags and was steadily using them throughout the year, but the bags I got were somewhat poor quality and many had to be tossed, which isn’t very sustainable.

However, most of my produce I’ve not bagged at all. I wash it when I get home regardless, so I figured why bother with a bag. Additionally, I’ve been purchasing my fruits and vegetables from a local farm stand more recently, in which I just put everything into a basket until checkout where it all goes in one paper or reusable bag.

That said, I am l on the hunt for a better produce bag option.

Resolution #2 Menstrual Cup (Still going strong!)

The menstrual cup has honestly been a period game changer. I love it and have only struggled with it once or twice in the past 12 months that I’ve been using it. I do keep an emergency stash of tampons, but have no intention of switching back to disposable period products.

Resolution #3 Silicone Food Storage Bags (have not completed)

Because I use Pyrex or other reusable food storage containers, I haven’t really found the need for silicone food storage bags yet. But, I plan to start backpacking next year and think they will come in handy for bringing food on the trail, so I might invest in some silicone bags this winter.

Resolution #4 Beeswax or Paper Wrap (have not completed)

This too has been a no-go. Most of my foil use was for my husbands breakfast sandwiches, but with his job change this fall, he has opted for fruits or baked breakfast goods like muffins, which don’t require foil. As for myself, I have been cooking each morning since I now work from home full time.

Resolution #5 Microfiber Face Cloth (accomplished)

Honestly, I have somewhat fallen away from the habit of using micellar water unless I am camping or traveling and don’t bring facewash. My facial cleanser is great at removing makeup and I just dry my face with a towel, so I’m still not using any single use cotton pads.

Resolution #6 SodaStream (have not accomplished)

You might have guessed it, I still have that old soda stream tucked deep into the corner cabinet of my kitchen. While I do buy seltzer water on occasion, my consumption has gone down drastically. I mainly drink three liquids: coffee (made at home), water, and wine (from a box so I’m using less bottles). There’s no shame in boxed wine!

Resolution #7 Bar Soap (still going strong!)

While I no longer make soap bars to sell as it never really took off, I do still make them for my household and friends that want them. I used to be a liquid soap only gal, but when I ran out of soap bars this summer and had to use liquid soap again, I was actually disappointed. My husband and I missed our homemade soap bars so much! They are easy and fun to make, and are great gifts for the holiday season.

Resolution #8 Water Bladder (accomplished)

So, funny story. I had no intention of buying a water bladder, but my husband was gifted one by his friend before they went on a cross country motorcycle trip this spring. After weeks of not using it once he got back, and with my hiking trips and field work, I “borrowed” it and well I loved it so much I just never gave it back to him.

When he changed jobs to return back to construction this fall, I did buy him his own camelback so that he can stay hydrated while working in the summer sun. Another great gift idea for the hard worker in your life that needs plenty of water but free hands as well.

Resolution #9 BlueLand Refillable Cleaning Products (partially accomplished)

Sadly, I have not purchased a set of blueland products yet, for no other reason than I always wait until I’m out of cleaner and need to run to the store. So we will keep this on my list of resolutions for 2022!

While I have not invested in a refillable set of house cleaners, I have started making my own weed killer in a refillable garden sprayer. I buy bulk size vinegar to make multiple batches

Resolution #10 Loofah or Ayate Shower Sponges (have not accomplished)

I have not made the switch to a natural shower sponge yet, but I am also thinking of swapping over to shampoo and conditioner bars from lush so I plan to see what they have and make a shopping trip in my near future.

Closing Thoughts:

Reflecting on the goals we set for ourselves and our progress towards reaching them can reveal a lot.

I notice when reflecting back on my goals, getting started is usually my biggest barrier. Staying in my old convenience based habits seems easier, even when in reality, it’s usually the opposite.

For example, I was so nervous to try a menstrual cup and would always be having to run to the store to get more tampons at the start of my period. I had to stash them everywhere, work, purse, car, home, etc. I used extra toilet paper to wrap them up before throwing them in the trash. Occasionally when I wasn’t keeping a close eye, my dogs would go into the bathroom and steal a used tampon from the trash (so gross but not uncommon, beware dog owners).

Now that I finally made the switch, my life is so much easier! Because it’s reusable my menstrual cup is always with me when I’m on my period, I don’t have to worry about how many hours I left it in or heaven forbid if I completely forgot to take it out, and there’s no fear about my dogs getting ahold of one.

I see the goals that I didn’t accomplish this year follow that same pattern, I just need to bite the bullet and know that once I do it will be so easy! Something to keep in mind as I start thinking about my 2022 resolutions….stay tuned for those!