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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.