I love setting goals for the year and each new season. The process helps me assess priorities and feel more organized. And so, here are my eco-friendly goals for spring. Each goal I have outlined supports my pursuit to live an imperfect sustainable lifestyle.

My 14 Sustainable Lifestyle Goals For Spring:

All of the goals I’ve set for spring are attainable for my schedule and lifestyle. I set goals that I can realistically achieve with the amount of time and current resources I have. Plus, all of these excite me! This was an important component because on the days I might not be motivated, I at least want to be interested in what I’m doing.

New to sustainability? Check out this post: 7 Tips To Begin Your Sustainability Journey

1. Weatherproof My Windows

I recently weatherproofed a set of windows and was surprised by how easy it was. This season I’d like to go around the house and finish the rest. Specifically, seal any gaps, so air isn’t leaking out.

Update: Goal achieved!

2. Research More About Coffee Composting

I love coffee (and drink a good amount of it). If you read the Sunday Spotlights post a few weeks ago, you’ll know my Mom kindly upgraded my home coffee setup. As a result, I’m making more cups and have more grounds. I want to dedicate time this season to learning about other ways I can responsibly get rid of the coffee excess to generate less waste.

Update: Goal achieved!

3. Visit The Open Exhibits At The Nature Museum

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago is a great resource for connecting with nature. I’m a part of their Sustainability Leadership Program (more on that soon), but I’ve yet to walk through the Museum and absorb the knowledge and resources offered.

Update: Goal achieved! I shared a preview of my visit in this Sunday Spotlights post.

4. Register For A Local Sustainability Workshop

My friend Grace and I have our eye on a local workshop. My goal for this season is to get the activity out of the chat and into the calendar. The workshop location offers a variety of practical skills that I’d use for years to come.

Update: Goal Unachieved. The workshop I want to take is on pause until September.

5. Plan A Neighborhood Clean Up

Last year I purchased a few supplies and did solo neighborhood clean-ups. While those were successful, I recognize the impact of mobilizing a community. There’s strength in numbers and together a group of us could clean up more than I could alone. I’d also really like to use this opportunity to invite friends and community members to an activity that introduces my sustainable living values. Oftentimes I hear them talking about how expensive eco-friendly living is or how there isn’t anything local to be a part of. This would be a good way to showcase the ability to do our part without spending money, needing to travel, or going through a certification/learning process.

Update: Goal achieved! My cleanup is scheduled for the summer.

6. Volunteer With A New Organization

It’s been a while volunteered in person. I miss it! This season I’d like to disrupt my routine, sign up for a local volunteer day, and give back to my community.

Update: Goal achieved! Click here to read about my experience volunteering in Chicago at a floating eco-park.

7. Go To The Zero Waste Shop

I’ve been saying this forever, but I want to go to a zero-waste shop. The closest location is over an hour from me. This season I’m going to prioritize scheduling time to go.

Update: Unachieved. But I have set a date and time this summer to go.

8. Find Out What Other Resources My Library Offers

Aside from books, movies, and other materials to check out, I’m not sure what my local library offers. I want to speak to the Librarians and see what’s on this season. Libraries are an incredible resource and third place. It would be great to get more involved as I primarily use the app.

Update: Goal achieved!

9. Learn How To Make One New Vegan Dish

Cooking is not my strength. I don’t enjoy it and the whole process overwhelms me. When I was in Australia, my friend Molly and her husband (leaving him nameless here to comply with digital boundaries), taught me how to prepare a simple vegetarian meal. It wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be and I enjoyed it more than other meals I’ve made. This spring I’d like to lean into that and challenge myself to prepare one more new dish. This time a vegan one!

Update: Goal achieved! I tried two new recipes!

Do you have a favorite vegan recipe? Leave it in the comments, so I can try it!

10. Connect With Someone From My Sustainability Program Outside Of Class

As I mentioned above, in goal three, I’m a part of the Nature Museum’s Spring Cohort. This season I’d like to connect with at least one of my classmates outside of our program. It would be great to continue building community and see how we can support each other on our sustainable lifestyle/ professional journeys.

Update: Goal achieved! I invited two of my classmates to the volunteer day with Urban Rivers and we hung out after.

11. Sew The Button Back On My Dresses

I have a “repair bin” in the back of my closet that’s overflowing. Most of the things require a seamstress, but there are a few garments I can tackle. For example, I have a few dresses (and I think a top, too) that need its buttons sewn back on. I have a needle, matching thread, and an Aunt who showed me how to make the repair. This season I’d like to put those resources to use and free those clothes from the back of the closet bin.

Update: Goal Unachieved! I don’t have thread to match the dress and the one I tried stands out too much.

12. Donate My Gym Shoes To The Local Charity Collection

A local running store donates gym shoes to a homeless shelter. They repair the soles and ensure they’re in comfortable and good condition prior to donation. I have a few pairs of shoes that I don’t wear anymore that others could use. This season I’d like to participate in their collection day and know that an item that once supported me, can do so for someone else.

Update: Goal achieved!

13. Utilize Public Transportation More

I’ve been a remote employee well before the pandemic, which means my commute is so easy. I just go down a flight of stairs to my office. However, there are certain activities on my calendar and things I want to do in this post that require a commute. I want to utilize public transportation whenever I can, for those things.

Update: Goal achieved! I took the train twice, instead of driving!

14. Thrift Tennis Skirts & Flowy Dresses

I love skirts and flowy dresses. They’re my warm-weather uniform (aside from athleisure. IYKYK). But, thanks to my stellar Trainer, I’ve lost four sizes since last spring. My tennis skirts don’t fit and my dresses are way too big (even after shrinking them). This season, I’d like to prioritize thrifting those items instead of buying new.

Update: Goal unachieved. I decided to wear another skirt I already own.

What are your goals for spring? Let me know in the comments section, below!

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