Lacey Triplett Thistle is a Montclair mom and founder of Middle Child, a digital consignment boutique offering new and gently used clothing for kids. Credit: Lacey Triplett Thistle
Montclair is a town that cares about its homes, its neighborhoods, and the environment. But what does sustainability actually look like here? In this episode of The Montclair Pod, co-hosts Farnoosh Torabi and Michael Schreiber explore how locals are embracing greener living in practical, personal, and sometimes surprising ways.
From solar panels and secondhand kids’ clothing to backyard beehives and LED lightbulbs, we spotlight the people and practices shaping Montclair’s more sustainable future.
Also in this episode:
Why the QuickChek closure felt like a vigil, how Morimoto’s newest restaurant ties sustainability to surf and turf, and what to know before the federal solar tax credit expires.
Solar Panels: A Montclair Resident’s Journey to Energy Independence
Ivy Sheibar, a Montclair resident and former energy executive, made the switch to solar after one too many eye-popping electric bills. Her experience offers a rare mix of personal insight and professional know-how.
Installing solar, she explains, depends on far more than sunny weather: you need the right roof, a long-term plan to stay in your home, and a healthy skepticism about “free solar” pitches. “There are a lot of great incentives,” she says, “but if someone’s promising you free panels, they’re just rolling that cost in somewhere else.” With a generous federal tax credit set to expire at the end of this year, Sheibar encourages residents to act now and offers a free solar guide to help them get started.
Weatherproofing 101 at American Royal Hardware
Michael pays a visit to American Royal Hardware, where longtime staffer Cliff Proven has spent over 30 years helping Montclair residents with their homes and, in many cases, their sustainability goals. From pipe insulation to chimney caps that open and close with use, Proven walks us through the most impactful ways to save energy in older homes.
“Most of the houses in Montclair are very old,” he says. “And old houses have old problems.” But that doesn’t mean residents are out of options. From weather stripping to LED bulbs, he shares affordable, DIY-friendly upgrades to reduce waste and lower bills.
Middle Child: Building a Circular Economy for Kids’ Clothes
Farnoosh speaks with Lacey Triplett Thistle, a Montclair mom and founder of Middle Child, a digital consignment boutique offering new and gently used clothing for kids. The idea came from personal experience wanting to dress her daughter in stylish, high-quality brands without overspending or over-consuming.
“I wanted to create something that felt curated and easy to shop,” she explains. With inventory ranging from Janie and Jack to Baby Gap, Middle Child is redefining secondhand shopping for modern families, and helping keep wearable clothing out of landfills.
Lacey Triplett Thistle, a Montclair mom and founder of Middle Child, a digital consignment boutique offering new and gently used clothing for kids
Bees, Honey, and Why Montclair is a Pollinator’s Paradise
We close out the show with Jim Feeney, a Verona-based beekeeper whose hives are spread across Essex County, including several in Montclair. Feeney walks us through the misunderstood world of honeybees: their role in our food system, their preference for old trees, and their surprising gentleness.
“Honeybees don’t want to sting you,” he says. “You have to really step on one to get stung.” With Montclair’s mature tree canopy and pollinator-friendly backyards, the area has become an unlikely haven for local beekeeping. It’s good news for bees…and for us.
- Farnoosh and Mike Eat Food: The Splendid Rooftop at The MC Hotel
- This Montclair Grocery Store Has the Lowest Prices. And It Might Shock You.
- “Ask Our Agent”: The Hidden Costs to Home Ownership in Montclair
- What’s at Stake in Montclair’s December 9 School Election
- Montclair Board of Education Votes to Hold December 9 Special Election on School Deficit
