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 greenteam@cityofwayne.org.

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.

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 info@siouxlandfostercloset.com 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.

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.