Ways to Live a Greener Life

St. Patrick’s Day and Spring are just around the corner, and we’ve been wondering how to live a little more green. Living a greener lifestyle is not only beneficial for the environment, but it can also improve our health and save money in the long run. The good news is that there are many simple and effective ways to reduce our environmental footprint and live more sustainably. In this article, we will explore some of the ways you can adopt a greener lifestyle. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Credit: Sigmund on Unsplash One of the most effective ways to live a greener lifestyle is to reduce the amount of waste we generate. This can be achieved by reusing items instead of throwing them away and recycling as much as possible. Start by bringing your reusable bags to the grocery store, investing in a reusable water bottle, and saying no to single-use plastics. Conserve Water Credit: Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash Water is a precious resource, and we should all do our part to conserve it. Simple habits such as turning off the tap while brushing our teeth, fixing leaks, and using a low-flow showerhead and toilet can significantly reduce our water usage. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances Credit: PlanetCare on Unsplash Switching to energy-efficient appliances is a great way to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that they meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Eat a Plant-Based Diet Credit: Ella Olsson on Unsplash Another way to live green is to eat more green! Studies show that eating a plant-based diet rich in leafy greens helps to promote a healthier cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems. Factory farming is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so shop local and opt for organic and pasture-raised meats will reduce your carbon footprint. Use Public Transportation or Carpool Credit: KBO Bike on Unsplash Driving a car is a major contributor to air pollution, so consider using public transportation or carpooling to reduce your carbon footprint. Luckily, Boise is a bike-friendly city so grab your helmet and pedal on! Grow Your Own Food Credit: Markus Spiske on Unsplash Growing your own food is a fun and rewarding way to live more sustainably. Even if you don't have a large garden, you can still grow herbs, vegetables, and fruits in containers on your patio, balcony, and even indoors. Add a Houseplant (or Five) Credit: Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash Houseplants are natural air purifiers that can diffuse toxic chemicals in your home. Looking to add a little greenery to yours? Take a look at these 20 air purifying plants. Living a greener life has so many benefits from reducing our carbon footprint to improving our health by adopting simple habits such as reducing waste, conserving water, and adding houseplants.    

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Explore: North Boise

Credit: BluFish Photography for Lysi Bishop Real Estate North Boise is a vibrant and sought-after area that stretches north of the Boise River to the foothills, and east to west from Reserve Street to 36th Street. With a rich history, unique architecture, and a diverse community, North Boise has become a highly desirable place to live for people of all ages and backgrounds. One of the most distinctive features of North Boise is the outdoor-centric lifestyle with tree-lined streets and an abundance of parks and green spaces. The foothills (of the Rocky Mountains) provide a beautiful backdrop, and many residents take advantage of the area's hiking and biking trails located just mere moments from North Boise neighborhoods. North Boise is also known for its thriving local business scene. Many of the shops, restaurants, and bars in the area are locally owned and operated, giving the neighborhood a unique and authentic feel. From craft breweries to artisanal coffee shops, North Boise is the place for a more laid-back lifestyle. Average home price in North Boise (as of March 1, 2023): $827,464 Credit: Doug Peteresen Photography for Lysi Bishop Real Estate     Popular Neighborhoods: The North End Credit: Doug Petersen Photography for Lysi Bishop Real Estate The North End is bordered by State St to the south, Hill Road to the north, Reserve Street to the east, and 28th Street to the west. This is North Boise’s most sought-after neighborhood for its flat geography, long-standing architectural charm, charming streets lined with old-growth trees, and incredible proximity to downtown, trails, and more.  It is home to some of the city's oldest and most admired residences, many of which were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These include the extensive repertoire of homes on iconic Harrison Boulevard. Here, you’ll find a marvelous display of residential architecture from the opulent Queen Anne to the streamlined forms of the International Style. Most homes in this area feature large front porches, encouraging residents to spend time outside and to socialize with neighbors. The neighborhood is also home to several parks, including Camel's Back Park, which offers a playground, picnic areas, tennis courts, and the iconic Camel Back hill. The park is also known for its popular annual event, the Hyde Park Street Fair, which takes place every September. Search for Homes in the North End   The Highlands Credit: BluFish Photography for Lysi Bishop Real Estate The Highlands neighborhood borders the North End and extends up the foothills. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including rolling foothills and scenic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Crane Creek Country Club (a private club) is nestled within the neighborhood, providing easy access for members in the area to a round of golf, clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, and dining hall as well as dozens of homesites backing to or overlooking the amazing golf course view. The neighborhood is home to a mix of modern and traditional homes, with many large and spacious properties extending a quarter acre or more. Homes were typically built in the 70’s-80’s in most of the area, however, newer developments like Hackberry/Hackberry North and Highlands Cove highlight upscale homes with striking contemporary designs. The Highlands is best known for its access to outdoor recreational activities, with many hiking and biking trails directly from the neighborhood and golfing at Crane Creek Country Club. Nearby Bogus Basin Ski Resort offers skiing and snowboarding during the winter months, and during the summer, the resort offers hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities that Highlands residents take full advantage of when being less than 35 minutes away. Search for Homes in The Highlands   Other Foothills Neighborhoods Credit: Doug Petersen Photography for Lysi Bishop Real Estate Living in North Boise is summed up to one feature, foothills lifestyle. The neighborhoods skirting along the hills each offer their own style and culture, but all adore highlight outdoor living with the trails nearby. Some other popular foothills neighborhoods include: Somerset/Orida Ridge - this upscale neighborhood seems to be a staircase to heaven, with grand residences sprawled on amazing view lots. Most of these homes are custom builds by luxury home builders, displaying some of Boise’s finest craftsmanship and construction quality. This community is rare in that it is one of the few neighborhoods that offer community amenities, including pools and tennis courts. Arrowhead Ridge and Arrowhead Canyon - cradled by foothills in between the Highlands and Northwest Boise’s prized foothills neighborhood, Quail Ridge, is Arrowhead Canyon. This quiet and steady area has both canyon floor and sky high views as streets wind up to remarkable mountain views. Quail Ridge Golf Course sits at the foot of Arrowhead, making this area popular with golfers. Access to Polecat Gulch and Harrison Hollow make this area a favorite for mountain bike and hiking enthusiasts. Boise Heights - one of Boise’s oldest foothills neighborhoods perched just above the North End and the Military Reserve, Boise Heights has some of the area's most distinctive Mid-Century Modern estates and views dating back to the 1950’s. This community is small, and because so, is favored for those seeking privacy in the clouds while being just minutes to downtown.   Downtown Credit: BluFish Photography for Lysi Bishop Real Estate For those who crave the hustle and bustle of city living, Downtown Boise has the urban lifestyle while maintaining a small town feel. Downtown Boise offers countless residential options from luxury condominiums/apartments in the middle of it all to charming historic single family residences located on the outskirts of the downtown core. The convenience of living downtown can’t be beat with shopping, dining, entertainment all just a hop, skip, and jump away. Grocery shopping is abundant downtown, with options like Whole Foods, WinCo Foods, and Trader Joes. Demand for downtown living has increased dramatically over the past few years, illustrated by all the new luxury apartments popping up. Search for Homes in Downtown Boise   Attractions: Credit: Doug Petersen Photgraphy for Lysi Bishop Real Estate One of the most popular destinations in North Boise is Hyde Park, a neighborhood hub tucked into the heart of the North End at the intersection of 13th and Eastman Streets. Hyde Park is a historic commercial district located in North Boise that has been a beloved gathering spot for over a century. The area was originally developed in the early 1900s by Robert and Minnie Hyde, who built a small general store and post office on the corner of 13th and Eastman Streets. The Hydes' store quickly became a popular gathering spot for the residents of North Boise, who would stop by to pick up their mail and chat with their neighbors. Over time, the store expanded to include a soda fountain, a candy counter, and a small grocery section. Now, you  will find a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, including the famous 13th Street Pub and Grill, which has been a local favorite for over 40 years. Newcomers like Apericena on 13th and Lost Grove Brewing add to the diversity and ever-growing food and brew scene in Boise. Another popular attraction in the North End is the Boise Co-op, a community-owned grocery store that specializes in organic and natural foods. The Co-op also hosts a variety of events and classes throughout the year, including cooking classes, wine tastings, and community meetings. Credit: BluFish Photography for Lysi Bishop Real Estate   Some of the city’s highest performing schools are located in North Boise,  including North Junior High, Boise High School, and Longfellow Elementary.  Some of Idaho’s largest employers, including St. Luke’s Medical Center, the State of Idaho, Simplot, and Boise Cascade, all are headquartered in North Boise making this area popular for employees and relocation for job transfers.   Credit: Daniel Olson for Lysi Bishop Real Estate   North Boise is continually looked at for would-be residents for high quality of life and proximity to the state’s capitol. With its beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and thriving local business scene, North Boise is a true gem in the heart of the Treasure Valley.    

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Spring Break Ideas for Kids in Boise, Idaho

Spring break is a great time for families to take a break from the daily routine and spend some quality time together. If you're looking for a few family-friendly ideas for your spring break vacation, Boise, Idaho, is a great place to explore. This city has a lot to offer, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. Here are some things to do with kids in Boise during spring break. 1. Treefort Music Festival Credit: Jenn Jackson Treefort Music Festival is an annual 5-day event held in downtown Boise that brings together a diverse range of musical acts and performers. It originated right here in Boise in 2012 and has since grown into a nationally-recognized music and arts festival, drawing in thousands of visitors every year. Like its name suggests, the festival also features other forms of art set up in different “forts”, including Yogafort, Storyfort, and Filmfort. One unique aspect of the festival is Kidfort, a special area designed for children that includes interactive activities, workshops, and performances. Kidfort allows families to enjoy the festival together, with activities for children of all ages. Get tickets here. 2. Get Outside Credit: Jenn Jackson Boise is home to an amazing trail system that skirts the northern boundary of the city in the foothills. The Ridge-to-Rivers trail system, along with several city parks, nature paths, and the Boise River Greenbelt offer a multitude of options to take the family outside for sunshine and fresh air. Studies show that spending time in nature can help reduce stress, promote focus, increase creativity, encourage physical activity, and more. Discover the Ribbon of Jewels, a network of parks along the Boise River named after prominent women in Boise’s history. These include Ann Morrison Park, Julia Davis Park, and Kathryn Ann Albertson Park. Take a hike! Check out these kid-friendly hikes in Boise. The most popular trail for kids is Camel’s Back, where a set of steps lead you up to an incredible bird’s eye view of beautiful Boise. Go for a bike ride on the Greenbelt 3. Visit the Zoo Credit: Zoo Boise Zoo Boise is a wonderful option for entertainment for the entire family. It is home to over 300 animals from around the world, including tigers, giraffes, penguins, and monkeys. The zoo also has a petting zoo and play structures. Spring is a great time to visit the zoo as the animals are usually more active in the cooler weather.  Learn more about Zoo Boise here. 4. Visit the Discovery Center of Idaho Credit: Jenn Jackson The Discovery Center of Idaho is a family-friendly space for learning science and technology. The center has many interactive exhibits, such as a hurricane simulator, a virtual reality experience, and a giant musical instrument. DCI also hosts educational programs and events for kids of all ages. They host world-class exhibits covering topics from the t-rex to Star Wars. Get tickets here. 5. Visit the Aquarium Credit: iTrip.net The Aquarium of Boise is a great option for an indoor activity when weather can be drizzly in the spring. The aquarium has many exhibits, including a touch tank, where kids can interact with sea creatures including anemones and sucker fish. The aquarium also offers educational programs and events, such as feeding demonstrations and behind-the-scenes tours. It isn’t limited to sea life, the aquarium has features reptiles, insects, and birds. Get tickets here. 6. Sign Up for Spring Camps Credit: Totally Boise Spring camps are the perfect opportunity for children to stay engaged over their spring break, and allow parents to keep up with their normal routines if needed. Various spring camps are offered for all age groups in Boise. From STEAM-focused learning camps to rock climbing, there is something for even the most discerning of children.  Check out a list of spring camps here. 7. Check Out the Children’s Museum of Idaho Credit: Children's Museam of Idaho Another indoor option for enrichment and play is the Children’s Museum of Idaho. Located in Meridian, Idaho, the Children’s Museum of Idaho is full of interactive exhibits that help children learn and explore through play. Exhibits include a kids-size version of Trader Joes that teaches kids real-life skills like grocery shopping, the theater exhibit where kids can dress up in provided costumes and perform, and the outdoor exhibits that focus on agricultural lessons.  Learn more about the Children’s Museum of Idaho here.     Boise, Idaho, is a great destination for families looking for a fun and educational spring break vacation. With so many outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, there's something for everyone in this city.

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