people + place

You have to give these two props. Yesterday–80% chance of rain, 100% chance of soggy bottoms–and they still rode their bikes to work. Today–a repeat of yesterday’s weather, but let’s throw in 25 mph winds to make it that much more exciting. And, guess what? They still both rode in to work again. Linda and John, we applaud you!

Everyone loves stickers, right? Remember the really important ones as a kid? A gold star for a job well done, a Scooby Doo for a brave visit to the doctor’s office - cherished prizes of accomplishment. Here at Foerstel we cater to our inner children and our May in Motion participation screamed for stickers-a-plenty. We created a variety of stickers for specific alternative transportation mode used, and others to just keep you thinking about what you can do for May in Motion….and beyond.

Because our inner children were taught manners, we feel compelled to share. So, if  you would like to use our specially designed May in Motion stickers we would be happy to send you a pdf to print for your office. Just send an email to debbie@foerstel.com and we’ll help you put things in motion!

My favorite mode of transportation much of the year is an old cruiser bike. My friends ask why I don’t get one of the new models that look like the old ones but that are lighter weight, have gears and are bright and shiny. I know my bike might not be much to look at, but we have a history. This Schwinn Hollywood was given to my sister for Christmas in 1963. When my sister was more interested in cars than bikes (she is 14 years older than I am) my mom used to put a pillow in the basket and ride me around (ah… the good ol’ days). A few years ago I found this treasure in the barn at my parent’s and knew it was time for its resurrection. The Sears Roebuck odometer quit working just last summer - forever stuck on 1667 miles. I’ve added a few of my own flourishes - a cup holder (of course), bell and the EL-wire (the yellow, orange and red cable that is wrapped through the basket and around the frame) that lights up at night. My old cruiser may not be perfect, but it’s family.

Yeah, yeah… we know that Earth Day was yesterday but so continues our list of things we do to make Earth Day EVERY day!

Kim & Jim recycle at home and work.

Marie buys organic milk from a local company that delivers it  in returnable/reusable containers, is using 100% recycled paper and organic materials to make her own paper stationery, digs through the trash before it goes to the dumpster and removes any and all recyclable items (her family is still in training), and  put cows on their newly acquired field to mow down the broadleaf foliage instead of spraying with weed and feed.

Laura pulls her weeds instead of using chemicals.

Jeff has double-flush toilets.

Debbie, Linda & Kim use reusable cloth bags when they go grocery shopping and all are organic gardeners.

Mark turns off the water when brushing his teeth, prefers to drive with the windows down instead of running the AC (same goes for his house), waters the lawn early in the morning to maximize efficiency and minimize use and recycles jokes as often as possible.

Holly grows her own vegetables, doesn’t use plastic, upcycles, downcycles and of course, recycles.

April 22nd may be the day recognized as the official Earth Day but we try to think of it as every day. When Foerstelians were asked what they do on a daily basis to make their world a little greener, the list was long but included:

John rides his bike as his major form of transportation year around (which is saying something when you live in Idaho).

Daryl is all about Freecycle.

Dennis, Debbie, Kim and Linda all have compost bins at home.

Tom buys, cooks and eats a 90% organic diet, and uses earth-friendly cleaners and recycled paper products at home and at the office.

Janet is creating a treasure chest of little items that normally would have been thrown away like tags and attachments that come on clothing, shoes and accessories. She plans to put these to creative use - maybe even on the art canvas she’s working on for the office.

Tom, Debbie & Linda have programmable thermostats.

Janell has planted over 45 trees on her property not to mention a wildflower garden.

Tom’s front yard is officially recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as being wildlife-friendly (he didn’t install the snazzy plaque though).

Debbie uses eco-friendly laundry products in her energy star washer and drier, has drought and bug resistant grass that cuts down on watering and eliminates the need for pesticides, and has eliminated bottled water by installing a water filtration system at her house and arming all the family members with a PBA-free water bottle.

Claudia and her 10 year old daughter, Anna, recently watched a PBS documentary on how Earth Day came about. Anna was amazed that such a massive movement could be organized without the help of emails, or facebook, or blogs. Excited, energized and inspired to do something, they decided the first step would be to limit showers to 3 minutes.

During Linda’s recent remodel she put in reclaimed doors, energy star light fixtures and windows, carpet made from recycled pop bottles, a high efficiency furnace, double flush toilet, recycled glass tiles made right here in Boise and Marmoleum.