PODCAST · education
Sustainable Steps
by Jacob Heller & Tami Koenigs
What happens to your donations when you drop them off at Goodwill? Join Tami & Jake from Goodwill of the Great Plains as they talk with local environmental leaders on the Sustainable Steps podcast. From the behind-the-scenes environmental work going on at Goodwill to easy ways you can go green at home or work - saving the planet starts with you taking a few easy "Sustainable Steps."
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29
Nature, Trails and Wild Edibles: Exploring Plymouth County Conservation
Plymouth County is connecting communities with the great outdoors and making nature accessible to all! In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami Koenigs and Jake Heller head to Hillview Recreation Area near Hinton, Iowa, to talk with naturalists Victoria DeVos and Morgan Sauer about conservation, community programs and the unique ways you can experience the local landscape. In this episode: Hillview's Hidden Playground: Everything the 300-plus-acre recreation area offers, from miles of hiking, horse and mountain biking trails to a 9-hole loop disc golf course, a fishing pond and winter tubing hills! Expanding Outreach: How Plymouth County Conservation uses everything from Ice Age artifact presentations and cabin escape rooms to school field trips and night hikes to get people of all ages outdoors. Wild Edibles & More: Creative community classes to turn nature into your pantry, featuring dandelion jelly, stinging nettle preparation, garlic mustard pesto and elderberry syrup. To learn more about upcoming public events, camping reservations or volunteer days at Hillview, check out the Plymouth County Conservation website or visit their official Facebook page. To learn more about the job training, placement and recycling programs offered by Goodwill of the Great Plains, please visit https://www.goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps Podcast is brought to us each week thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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A house full of heart - Inside the Ronald McDonald House Siouxland
RMHC doesn't just stand for Ronald McDonald House Charities – for thousands of families in Siouxland beyond, it stands for a place that keeps families together through medical journeys! In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami Koenigs and Jacob Heller are on location at the Ronald McDonald House Siouxland in Sioux City, Iowa, where they sit down with Director Christy Clark to learn how a simple thought inspired a global movement. In this episode, we'll learn: Heart of the House: How the Ronald McDonald House provides essentials, removes barriers and creates a "home away from home" so families can stay close to their children during medical treatment. Food for Thought (and Care!): The scope of the hospital kitchen and lunch programs, delivering thousands of hearty meals, snacks and home-cooked frozen options to local emergency rooms and hospital units each year. Community Connection & Pop Tabs, Too: Easy ways to get involved, from decorating artistic, encouraging lunch bags and donating in-kind goods to saving pop tabs for recycling to help fund family lodging. To learn more about staying at the house, volunteering or attending upcoming events like the Bubble Walk and the Red Shoe Shindig, check out the Ronald McDonald House Siouxland website or find the group on Facebook and Instagram. To find out more about the programs and services offered by Goodwill of the Great Plains, please visit goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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Building Community and Connections: How the Junior League of Sioux City Empowers Women
In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami and Jake talk with Samantha Roth, Treasurer of the Junior League of Sioux City, to hear how the group's projects, ranging from a free 'School Period Pantry' to a boutique-style thrift shop, empower women and build connections. In this episode, we'll learn: Discover the Discovery Shop: How the Junior League's W. 7th Street thrift shop helps pay for projects and grants that make a big difference in the Sioux City area. Prom Purpose: The story behind the group's spring prom fundraiser, bringing local businesses together for a night of high school nostalgia to help pay for local community projects. Flexible Membership: How a one-year commitment, 12 hours of annual shop volunteering and monthly meetings make it easy for local women to dive in, network and give back. If you'd like to visit the Junior League's Discovery Shop, it's open Wednesday - Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm at 316 W. 7th St. in Sioux City. If you'd like to learn more about joining the Junior League, visit its website or visit the Junior League of Sioux City Facebook page. To find out more about the programs and services offered by Goodwill of the Great Plains, please visit goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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Always Free, Never Sold - Inside Owen's Outfitters Huge Medical Equipment Library
Keeping medical equipment out of the landfill and in the hands of families who need it! In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami & Jake head to Sioux Falls to talk with Mike Turner, founder of Owen's Outfitters, to hear how a free medical equipment library is turning a personal family journey into a community lifeline. In this episode, we'll learn: Owen's Legacy: How the memory of Mike's son, Owen, and his favorite color inspired a bright, welcoming mission to give away free medical equipment and keep over 130 tons of usable gear out of local landfills. Always Free, Never Sold: How families can access everything from daily care items to hospital beds, wheelchairs and walkers without insurance company red tape or out-of-pocket costs. Global Impact: How local supplies, like crutches and oxygen tubing, find a second home through international partnerships, stretching from Sioux Falls to places like Africa. To learn more about donating or borrowing medical equipment, check out Owens Outfitters or the Legacy Foundation online or in person in Sioux Falls. If you'd like to find out more about the programs and services offered by Goodwill of the Great Plains, please visit goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Fou ndation.
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Mission-Driven: Making Donation Pickups Simple with ReSupply
You want to downsize and donate, but that heavy furniture or big box won't fit in your car, or you can't haul it down three flights of stairs – ReSupply can help! In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami & Jake talk with Paul Tocci, CEO and Founder of ReSupply, to hear how a tech-driven logistics solution is revolutionizing charitable giving and keeping usable goods out of landfills. In this episode, we'll learn: Military Origins: Witnessing military families abandon brand-new household goods on curbs during base relocations inspired a decade-long mission to bridge the technology gap to help donations get to charitable causes. National Reach: How ReSupply partners with 114 Goodwill regions across 48 states and 25,000 zip codes, moving the equivalent of 80 football stadiums worth of donations every month. Giving Made Simple: How donors can schedule home pickups for anything from a single bag of clothes to an entire house of furniture in as little as 60 minutes. To learn more about Goodwill of the Great Plains or schedule ReSupply to pick up your donation, please visit goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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From Cans to Community: How the Hope Redemption Center Creates Meals and Meaningful Work
How can a five-cent soda can help feed a family or launch someone's career? In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami and Jake sit down with Monic Marquez-Burkett, Manager of Sioux City's Hope Redemption Center, to hear how recycling isn't just about keeping trash out of landfills - it also provides life-changing work experience for local people trying to find a new career path. In this episode, you'll learn: 96-Meal Math: How filling just one standard bag with 240 cans brings in enough money to provide nearly 96 meals for people facing food insecurity. Recycling Right: The ins and outs of redeeming cans, plastic bottles and glass - from looking for the signature "IA" 5¢ stamp to drop-off tips and bag options. Community Connections: Where to find drop-off sites (including Morningside University and other area churches) and how to join the fun at "Sort & Serve Saturdays!" To learn more about dropping off recyclables, volunteering or donating to the food pantry, follow the Hope Redemption Center on Facebook or visit the Missions tab at Sunnybrook Church's website . Find out more about the programs and services offered by Goodwill of the Great Plains by visiting goodwillgreatplains.org . The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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Wayne's Green Revolution: Rural Recycling That Works
If you've ever stared down a plastic container with a tiny number "3" on it and experienced a full-blown existential crisis - you are not alone! In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami and Jake sit down with Sandy Brown from the City of Wayne Green Team in Nebraska. Since 2009, this city-backed volunteer group has been helping this rural community divert nearly one-million pounds of waste from the landfill - proving that you don't need a massive metropolitan budget to make a massive environmental impact. In this episode, you'll learn: The "Twin the Bin" Principle: Why pairing your trash can with a recycling bin eliminates the "wishful recycling" temptation. Gamifying the Garbage: How Wayne got high school seniors and local residents obsessed with recycling by turning it into a $20-rewarding game of "Recycle Right Bingo." The Toxicity of Trash: Why difficult-to-move items like glass, batteries and even old markers shouldn't just be tossed. Ready to up your green game or invite Sandy to speak to your town? Check out the Green Team's resources at cityofwayne.org/greenteam or shoot Sandy an email at [email protected]. Find out more about the programs and services offered by Goodwill of the Great Plains by visiting goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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Fairy Lights, Toys and the VIP Treatment: Inside the Siouxland Foster Closet
A new kid just arrived on your doorstep with nothing but a diaper, or a teenager is demanding fairy lights to properly decorate their new room - where do foster families turn? In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami and Jake sit down with Rochelle Pfeiffer, Founder and Director of the Siouxland Foster Closet. Rochelle explains how the organization's retail-style boutique lets foster kids shop for clothes, toys and essentials completely free of charge, so they leave feeling like VIPs. In this episode, you'll learn: The "Beeline" Effect: Why the Foster Closet's back-corner toy section is the ultimate distraction while caregivers shop. The Secret to Teen Fashion: How teenage volunteers prevent the closet from accidentally stocking "uncool" clothes. Beyond the Hangers: Why mini cribs, brand-new car seats and birthday cake kits are just as crucial as a good pair of jeans. To learn more about shopping, donating or volunteering (the Siouxland Foster Closet needs your help this summer!), email [email protected] or call (712) 253-3943. You can also find the group on Facebook or at this website. Find out more about the programs and services offered by Goodwill of the Great Plains by visiting goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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Beyond the Red Kettle - How the Salvation Army of Siouxland has been helping those in need for nearly 140 years
What do a food pantry, a summer day camp and front-line "Donut Girls" have in common? In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami and Jake sit down with Captain Terri Ellison from the Salvation Army of Siouxland. After nearly 140 years of service in the Sioux City community, Captain Terri explains how the organization does much more than you might think, offering a helping hand to neighbors navigating life's barriers. In this episode, we'll learn: Pathway of Hope: How a holistic, 18-month family approach empowers local mothers to exceed their own life goals. Seasonal Outreach: The community logistics behind the annual Community Baby Shower and the iconic Christmas Angel Tree program. The Red Kettle Campaign: Why those ringing bells represent 30% of the local Salvation Army's annual budget and tips for first-time volunteer bell ringers. Connect with the Salvation Army of Siouxland by calling (712) 255-8836, visiting the organization's Facebook page or by visiting this website. To learn more about Goodwill of the Great Plains and the job training and placement programs offered by the organization, please visit goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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Loess Hills, Less Stress: Talking Nature's Healing Power with Theresa Kruid of the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
What makes the Loess Hills one of the most unique landscapes in Iowa, and how can spending time outdoors benefit your health? In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami and Jake sit down with Theresa Kruid, Education Director for Woodbury County Conservation and the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Theresa shares how the Nature Center connects people of all ages with nature through educational programs, hiking trails, wildlife encounters, and community events. In this episode, we'll learn: Lush, Local Loess: Why the Loess Hills are a unique and important natural resource. Natural Stress Relief: How spending time outdoors can improve well-being. Nature's Classroom: How families can connect with nature through local parks, programs, and events. To learn more about Woodbury County Conservation and the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, visit woodburyparks.org. To learn more about Goodwill of the Great Plains and the job training and placement programs offered by the organization, visit goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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A Sustainable Second Chance: Sioux City's Gospel Mission
In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami and Jake sit down with Randy Ehlers and Nate Gates from Sioux City's Gospel Mission, a faith-based nonprofit that's been offering a "hand up" to those in need for 88 years. We'll hear how the Gospel Mission helps people rebuild a sustainable life through structured, goal-oriented shelter programs, while keeping waste out of landfills through retail recycling and textile baling. On top of that, the Gospel Mission serves 250 meals a day! In this episode you'll learn: Structured Recovery: A breakdown of the Gospel Mission's 8-month programs designed to end the cycle of homelessness by building routine and accountability. Working Through It: How work therapy at the Gospel Mission's thrift store and kitchen gives people a sense of purpose, while teaching them valuable customer service skills. Getting Involved: How the community can support the mission through volunteering, meal prep, and more. To learn more about the Gospel Mission, please visit www.thegospelmission.org. Catch new episodes of the Gospel Mission's podcast, TGM Aware, on the first Friday of every month. Sustainable Steps is brought to you by Goodwill of the Great Plains through a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation. To find out more about Goodwill and our mission of building independence through employment, training, and community support, please visit www.goodwillgreatplains.org.
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Siouxland Soup Kitchen: Serving with Heart (and 15 gallons of lemonade!)
What does it take to feed 200 people every night? On this episode of Sustainable Steps, Jacob and Tami talk with Lyn Kluender, Executive Director of the Siouxland Soup Kitchen in Sioux City. Today, the Soup Kitchen isn't just serving the homeless, but many working families, seniors, and kids. In this episode, we'll learn: How Hunger Has Changed: Homeless individuals now make up less than half of the kitchen's guests. You Have the Power: The Soup Kitchen gets zero city, state, or federal funding — each meal served is paid for and provided by local donations. Zero Food Waste: How leftover catering from a graduation party or extra veggies from your summer garden can feed the community. Volunteering is Simple: It takes 10 people a day to keep things running, and absolutely no kitchen or cooking skills are required. If you're interested in dropping off food, that can be done Monday – Friday from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM at 717 West 7th St. in Sioux City. If you'd like to donate or volunteer, check out the Siouxland Soup Kitchen Website . For more information on Goodwill of the Great Plains and the job training and placement programs it provides, please visit Goodwill of the Great Plains . Sustainable Steps is brought to us weekly by Goodwill of the Great Plains, thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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Beyond the Barn: The Modern Side of 4-H
When you think 4-H, don't just think farm animals, livestock and county fairs - your child can build a robot, learn public speaking or dive into digital arts! In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami and Jake return to the ISU Extension and Outreach office in Woodbury County to talk with Youth Outreach Coordinator Christine Craig, debunking the rural stereotypes and exploring how 4-H can shape the next generation of community leaders. In this episode, we'll learn: Beyond the Barn: Why modern 4-H is just as much about STEM, robotics, photography and healthy living as it is about agriculture. The Power of Hands-On Learning: How short, six-week "specialty blocks" and after-school clubs keep kids engaged and constantly curious. To learn more about Woodbury County 4-H programs, summer camps, or science enrichment programs for your classroom, please visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/woodbury. To find out more about Goodwill of the Great Plains and the job training and placement services offered, please visit goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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Landscaping Lasagna, Companion Planting and more: Horticulture Talk @ ISU Extension Woodbury County
A storm snapped a massive branch off your favorite tree - do you have to cut the whole thing down? And what can you do about that stubborn rabbit eating your fresh strawberries? In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami and Jake visit the ISU Extension and Outreach office in Woodbury County to talk with Horticulture Coordinator Lindsay Meylor to get the dirt on working with nature, instead of battling against it. In this episode, we'll learn: Wait-and-See: How to survey storm or insect-damaged trees and when you should, and shouldn't, let them heal. Companion Planting: Quick, natural tips and tricks to keep your garden critter-free. Landscaping Lasagna: How to easily start a backyard compost bin, why it shouldn't smell and how a cooler full of earthworms can fast-track the process. To learn more about Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and find gardening resources in your area, please visit extension.iastate.edu. To find out more about Goodwill of the Great Plains and the job training and placement services offered, please visit goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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Sustainable Steps: Rewilding the Campus at Morningside University
How much "green space" does a university, or your lawn, actually need? Could that sea of green do more for the planet than just look pretty? In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami & Jake visit Morningside University to talk with Biology Professor Anni Moore and Director of Alumni Engagement Alex Watters, both co-chairs of the newly revamped Sustainability and Community Impact Committee on campus. In this episode, we'll learn: Living Laboratory: How Morningside uses its greenhouse for aquaponics - raising tilapia and growing thousands of pounds of fresh produce that goes right back to the dining hall. Rewilding Campus: Why the committee suggests the university trades manicured (and dangerous-to-mow) hillsides for native grasses that save water, money and provide homes for local pollinators. Sustainability for Everyone: From light pollution to hardware fixes - how sustainability and accessibility go hand-in-hand. Learn more about Morningside University's programs and campus initiatives by visiting: morningside.edu To find out more about Goodwill of the Great Plains and the job training and placement services offered, please visit goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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Digital Treasures: How to join Goodwill's high-tech, online treasure hunt
Ever wonder what happens to the rarest treasures that get donated to Goodwill? Cassette tapes, point-and-shoot digital cameras and Guitar Hero guitars – what's old is cool again! In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami & Jake talk with David Hantla, E-commerce Manager at Goodwill of the Great Plains, to hear how this specialized team brings the most unique, rare and collectible donations to you, all while maximizing Goodwill's mission! In this episode, we'll learn: The Treasure Hunt: How the team finds hidden gems, from 16th-century Bible pages and 1850s shipwreck gold to a "double-sided" painting verified by a famous artist's estate. The Science of Shopping: Goodwill uses high-tech tools, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF) machines, to analyze the elemental composition of jewelry and precious metals. Mission-Driven Tech: How the e-commerce department provides vital job training for persons-served, teaching professional skills in digital inventory, book scanning and product authentication. Live from Goodwill: Learn about our newest auction offerings on Whatnot, featuring purses from Coach, Dooney & Bourke, Michael Kors, Kate Spade! Ready to find your next treasure? Explore Goodwill's online offerings: ShopGoodwill: Visit shopgoodwill.com to browse auctions for antiques, jewelry and collectibles. Whatnot: Search for Goodwill of the Great Plains to join our weekly live-streamed purse auctions. Books: Find our media selection on Amazon, eBay and goodwillbooks.com. To find out more about Goodwill of the Great Plains and the job training and placement services offered, please visit goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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Don't Just Delete: How SEAM keeps your data safe after drop-off
What actually happens when you drop off your old laptop for recycling? Is "deleting" your files enough to keep your identity safe? In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami Koenigs and Jacob Heller hit the road to talk with Levi Hentges from SEAM (Secure Enterprise Asset Management) in Sioux Falls to look at the lifecycle of electronics. In this episode, we'll learn: The 3/70 Rule: Why electronics make up only 3% of the landfill, but 70% of its toxic waste! Sanitization vs. Deletion: Why a "wiped" drive isn't always empty and how forensic-level software ensures your privacy. Staying Secure: Simple steps you can take at home to secure "offline" assets before they get recycled. To learn more about SEAM and the services offered by the company, please visit seamservices.com You can find refurbished items sold by SEAM at bargainbytes.net To find out more about Goodwill of the Great Plains and the job training and placement services offered by the organization, please visit goodwillgreatplains.org The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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The Gilchrist Foundation - the power behind the podcast
In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami Koenigs and Jacob Heller dive into the organization that makes what you're hearing possible. Cari Gehling, with the Gilchrist Foundation, talks about the incredible impact of Jocelyn Gilchrist's legacy on Sioux City and beyond. Hear the fascinating history of the foundation - born out of the Sioux City livestock industry. In this episode, we discuss: The Wild Side: Discover the foundation's work with the Broken Kettle Grasslands, bison herds and native prairie restoration. A Lifeline for the Arts: How the foundation supports everything from the Sioux City Symphony to providing free music lessons for local students. Responsive Giving: The story behind Jocelyn Gilchrist's anonymous philanthropy and the foundation's "Micro-Grant" program for quick-turnaround community help. Find out more about the Gilchrist Foundation at: gilchristfoundation.org. Learn about Goodwill's Job Training and Placement programs at: goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible due to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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Plugging the Energy Drain with Praxora Energy
Does your business need to wear a smart watch? In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami Koenigs and Jacob Heller talk with Tanner from Praxora Energy, a new Sioux City company that's changing how commercial buildings view their utility bills. Did you know many businesses can waste up to 30% of the energy they pay for? With monitoring technology like the 'ENEscope,' Praxora can help businesses identify exactly where energy is being used - or abused! In this episode, we'll learn: The Power of Scheduling: How simple shifts in HVAC timing can save money. Net-Zero, Step One: Why monitoring is an essential first step before investing in solar power or other major infrastructure projects. Looking to stop money from "leaking out the back door" and find some great tips you can use at home, too? Give Sustainable Steps a listen today! Find out more about Praxora Energy at: praxoraenergy.com. What programs and services does Goodwill of the Great Plains offer? Find out at: goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible due to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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More than a pantry: Inside the Food Bank of Siouxland
You open the fridge. The "best buy" date on the snack you're craving is today. What do you do? If you've ever wondered how long your food actually lasts after the date stamped on the package - this episode of Sustainable Steps is for you! Jacob Heller and Tami Koenig sit down with Jacob Wanderscheid, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Siouxland, to get an inside look at this logistical powerhouse, serving people in 11 counties across Northwest Iowa and Northeast Nebraska. In this episode, you'll learn: Food Rescue: How the Food Bank prevents thousands of pounds of waste by "rescuing" perfectly good food. Decoding Dates: The truth behind "Sell By," "Best By," and "Use By" labels - and why your nose can be a better judge than the date on the can. Innovative Nutrition: From lentil meat substitutes to chickpea mousse and more - learn how the Food Bank uses education and recipes to make healthy staples accessible and delicious. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation. Stay up to date with the Foodbank of Siouxland at siouxlandfoodbank.org or facebook.com/FoodBankSiouxland. To learn more about the job training and placement programs offered by Goodwill of the Great Plains, please visit goodwillgreatplains.org.
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To Bin or Not to Bin? Working to end "wish-cycling" with Millennium Recycling
Don't know if an item is recyclable? There's an app for that! And it's all thanks to a Sioux Falls company! Tami & Jake talk with Shannon Dwire from Millennium Recycling about how this single-stream materials recovery facility is working to put an end to "wish-cycling" and get you in the know when it comes to sustainability. In this episode, we'll learn: The Peanut Butter Jar Rule: How clean does it actually have to be before it hits the recycling bin? Defining Wish-cycling: What it is and how it makes sustainability harder to achieve? Going Green on the Go: How a simple app can help you know what can and can't be recycled! Find out more about Millennium Recycling by visiting this website: millenniumrecycling.com. Find out more about Goodwill and its programs by visiting: goodwillgreatplains.org The Sustainable Steps Podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from The Gilchrist Foundation.
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Sustainable Steps at Sioux City Schools
Can thrifted finds spark a lifelong love for sustainability? Jill Risdal thinks so. This week on the Sustainable Steps podcast, Tami & Jake explore how this Sioux City Family and Consumer Sciences teacher works sustainability into her lesson plans by combining sewing, thrifting and creativity. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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Goodwill by the numbers
Millions of pounds, thousands of trees and hundreds of jobs - at Goodwill the numbers add up! In this episode of the Sustainable Steps podcast, Tami & Jake dive into the data to break down Goodwill's community impact, from "concert crowd-sized" success stories to "school buses" full of donations. In this episode you'll discover - Preserving Paper: How many trees worth of paper Goodwill's GoodShred recycles each year (think forest!) Career Catch: How many thousands of people found economic sustainability thanks to Goodwill's programs in 2025. Goodwill's Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible through a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation. To find out more about Goodwill's recycling efforts and job training programs, please visit goodwillgreatplains.org.
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Sustainable Steps - Sustaining People with Goodwill Work Programs
Sustainability is about more than just the environment - it's about the people living on it, too! Tami & Jake talk with Mitch Kulawik, Work Services Director at Goodwill of the Great Plains, to find out how job training and community supported employment help people grow confidence and sustain their lives. In this episode of Sustainable Steps, we'll find out: Career Paths: What careers Goodwill can help you find Virtual Reality: How virtual reality can help you find a career you'd love - and rule out the ones you don't. Endless Options: From auto mechanics to knee surgeons, there's a career for everyone! The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible through a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation. Find out more about Goodwill of the Great Plains at https://www.goodwillgreatplains.org
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I can recycle my TV?! What to do with your old electronics
Your HDMI cable is frayed and your blender has seen better days - but before you throw your old electronics in the trash, did you know you can recycle them? In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami & Jake talk with Ben Esquivel of ERS Electronic Recycling Services, LLC in South Sioux City. Ben's team specializes in breaking down unwanted tech so components can be reused, repurposed and kept out of the landfill. In this episode, you'll learn: - What items are eligible for recycling. - How much of your old "junk" can actually be reclaimed. - Why even battery-free devices pose an environmental risk if left to rot in a landfill. For more information on ERS Electronic Recycling Services, LLC, please visit this website https://ersewaste.com/ Find out more at https://www.goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible due to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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GoodShred - How Goodwill's "Demolition Expert" keeps your identity safe
You've got bundles of old bills, mountains of medical documents and a hard drive you put in a drawer back in the '90s? How can you clear the clutter without someone stealing your identity? Goodwill of the Great Plains can help! In this episode of Sustainable Steps, Tami & Jake talk with Goodwill's very own "demolition expert," Dan Peters. As manager of GoodShred, Goodwill's secure document and hard drive destruction service, it's his job to destroy all that and more, while keeping your identity and digital data safe. In this episode, you'll learn how many hundreds of thousands of pounds of paper GoodShred has saved from the landfill and recycled, what your recycled paper products become after you drop them off and why a professional service is always more secure than your home shredder. Ready to get shredding with GoodShred? Find out more, or get a secure bin at your business, by visiting https://goodwillgreatplains.org/goodshred/ or by calling Dan at (605) 357 - 6151. Find out more at https://www.goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible due to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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Sustainable Steps - Going Green with the Sioux City EAB
There are easy, small steps you can take to make your home, city and life more sustainable! From re-usable bags to "26 on 26," Samantha Daily and Arah Montagne with the Sioux City Environmental Advisory Board talk with Tami & Jake in this episode of "Sustainable Steps." The Environmental Advisory Board is located in Sioux City's City Hall, for more information, please visit: Environmental Advisory Board | City of Sioux City website Find out more at https://www.goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible due to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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Meet Goodwill's Sustainability Manager
Did you know sustainability could be a career? In the second episode of the Goodwill of the Great Plains Sustainability Steps podcast, Jake and Tami find out what a sustainability manager does and just how much Goodwill re-uses, repurposes and recycles donated items that can't be sold. Find out more at https://www.goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible due to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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First "Sustainable Steps"
What is Goodwill of the Great Plains and how did it get started? Join Jake and Tami as they take us into the 'wild west' of 1920s Sioux City, Iowa, as Dr. John P. Hantla, Sr. steps into the role as head of the Wall Street Mission, which would later become Goodwill Industries and Goodwill of the Great Plains. Find out more at https://www.goodwillgreatplains.org. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible due to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
What happens to your donations when you drop them off at Goodwill? Join Tami & Jake from Goodwill of the Great Plains as they talk with local environmental leaders on the Sustainable Steps podcast. From the behind-the-scenes environmental work going on at Goodwill to easy ways you can go green at home or work - saving the planet starts with you taking a few easy "Sustainable Steps."
HOSTED BY
Jacob Heller & Tami Koenigs
CATEGORIES
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