the more you know…the more you grow
It’s no secret that we here at Foerstel have a passion for all things organic. As a design firm dedicated to sustainable practices for over two decades, we provide food companies with beautiful and effective packaging that complies with organic food industry standards. As such, we are honored to be asked to partner with CCOF and OES for a second consecutive year.
Founded in 1973, the California Certified Organic Farmers Association (CCOF) was one of the first organizations to perform organic certification in North America. In addition to being a full-service organic certification and trade association, the CCOF has been a leading provider of information, resources and advocacy for organic food and agriculture for more than 30 years.
With their latest Organic Labeling webinar around the corner, CCOF is preparing to give insight into the most common mistakes companies make with their organic labels. Because of our knowledge, experience and commitment to the industry, we were asked to provide a variety of packaging images, tailored specifically to enhance their presentation. This educational event will use our real-world examples as a resource in defining a step-by-step process for developing labels that comply with the USDA National Organic Program.
If you are planning to update your organic label or create a new product line, you won’t want to miss this informative event.
Webinar Dates:
Wednesday, May 9, 1:00-2:30 p.m. PST
Wednesday, May 16, 9:00-1:00 a.m. PST
For more information and to register, click here
lighting up the future
Lighting Science Group is an innovative company that provides commercial indoor and outdoor LED lighting solutions to architects, developers and building managers. The series of ads we created for them show the beautiful difference LED lighting can make, encouraging buyers to step into a brighter, more sustainable future.
Mother Nature’s Graffiti
Graffiti is an art that usually carries a negative connotation. It’s illegal in most areas and let’s face it, there aren’t many things worse than aerosol spray cans. However, there is an awesome way to become an eco-friendly graffiti artist. By following a simple recipe, you can create moss graffiti that looks really cool and is good for the planet!
While we don’t recommend tagging any structure without explicit permission of the owner, we do suggest trying this out on rocks, bricks, or concrete walls that you may find around the house.
The success of the recipe itself can be very hit and miss and is very much dependent upon choosing exactly the right location and weather conditions; moss thrives in the damp and can most often be found growing near a leaky drainpipe or rain-soaked wall.
Recipe for Moss Graffiti:
• 1 can of cheap beer OR 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• A few handfuls of moss
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Blend until the mixture is smooth
You can use a paint brush or spray bottle to apply the moss to concrete walls, rocks or brick. Mist the moss once a day and before you know it, you’ll have a thriving work of green graffiti!
Photo by Anna Garforth
10 ways to get green on earth day
With April 22 fast approaching, we agree with our friends at Care2 that Earth Day is a holiday that deserves attention, and is worth celebrating.
We are a design firm deeply committed to all things organic and sustainable since 1985. We believe that Earth Day should be about giving back to the earth ~ appreciation for our environment and the small planet in which we all share.
The team at Foerstel is planning to get a little dirty and show the Earth some extra love while remembering that taking care of the only planet we have is something to be celebrated all year long!
What are you planning to do to celebrate Earth Day? Here are a few simple ideas from Care2 to help you get your Earth Day groove on!
1. Avoid running appliances – and keep the lights off turned off
2. Try to keep your car parked at home and opt to run, walk or pedal to your destination
3. Make a meal using only foods made with ingredients that have been sourced locally
4. Reap what you sow by planting a garden (even a simple container garden, or raised beds) will make you feel great and improve your carbon footprint
5. Make your yard look great by planting a tree and the fruit varieties will eventually provide you with healthy and delicious snacks
6. Try to indulge in meatless meals throughout the day
7. Do some exercises outside (yoga, cardio or weights)
8. If you already recycle, Sunday would be a great day to organize your containers. And, if you haven’t started, Earth Day would be a good day to learn about what items are recyclable and set up holding containers for the various items
9. Compost, compost, compost is nourishment for your garden and is a great way to dispose of food waste
10. Volunteer some of your time to your community. Find a mission that interests you and give back to help others.
unique, non-traditional easter meal ideas
If you are considering breaking away from a traditional Easter dinner this year, we found some surprisingly scrumptious recipe ideas that are sure to please everyone at your table. Our recipe selection includes ideas for brunch, lunch, or dinner along with some amazing desserts to finish off your feast.
Skillet Scramble with Kale and Garlic – great meal for Brunch
Ingredients:
1 large (10 ounce) organic Yukon gold potato
1 tablespoon butter
4 eggs, lightly whipped
4 cloves roasted garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 cup steamed, chopped kale
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
Directions:
Gently boil whole potato (skin on) until tender. Drain; when cool enough to handle, cut into 1/4-inch cubes.
Melt butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or ovenproof sauté pan.
Turn heat to medium-low and add potatoes.
Cook slowly until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Season with salt.
Preheat broiler. Move potatoes in a pile to one side of skillet.
Pour eggs into other side and lightly scramble.
When eggs are not quite fully cooked, add garlic and kale and fold together with potatoes.
Season to taste. Top with goat cheese (or your favorite white cheese) and lightly brown under broiler.
Serves 2. Prep tip: To roast garlic, instead of cooking in oil as is the common method, put peeled, whole cloves in an ovenproof dish and cover with water. Cover with foil and cook at 375 degrees for at least one hour, or until cloves are very soft. Serving tip: Serve atop toasted whole-grain pita or naan.
Per Serving: 428 cal, 51% fat cal, 24g fat, 13g sat fat, 461mg chol, 23g protein, 30g carb, 4g fiber, 304mg sodium
