Sustainable Steps

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.