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.

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.

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.

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.

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.