Eco - Eco Profiles

POSTED: Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2009

Retired educator now shows people how to compost, recycle

After retiring from teaching public school for 25 years in Machesney Park, Ill., Jim Pemble focused on prairie restoration and education.

He then followed his son Rodd Pemble, Sanitary Service Company recycling manager, to Bellingham and made himself at home in Whatcom County, and specifically at the Bellingham Farmers Market.

"Shepherding the (FoodPlus! Recycling) at the Farmers Market has become a passion of Dad's," says Rodd. "He still loves teaching, now about composting and recycling. The kids at the market call him 'Pops.'"

A huge fan of Whatcom County's "landscape, wildlife, sky and sea," Jim Pemble is also a strong supporter of local farms and dairies. Instead of driving, he prefers to walk or ride the bus whenever possible. He believes everything is connected, and everyone can make a positive difference in the world.

"Open your senses to the miracle of a living planet," Jim Pemble says. "Develop your responsibility to interact in ways that enhance the life of every creature."

ABOUT JIM PEMBLE

Age: 81.

Residence: Bellingham.

Occupation: Retired teacher.

Mode of transport: Bus, train or Toyota Avalon.

Average bill: $30 a month.

Eco-cheat: Driving his car in bad weather.

Turning point: Pemble has held a "lifelong concern for the health of the planet, encouraged by my parents and becoming a teacher of young children."

First step: "I'm 81 years old ... memory fails me."

Personal eco victory: Helping other like-minded individuals find an outlet for their environmental concerns.

BEST TIP

"It's easy being green: Contact government, city, community offices and nonprofit agencies involved in eco issues."