Sustainable Steps: Rewilding the Campus at Morningside University

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 [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 [https://www.goodwillgreatplains.org]. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.

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 [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 [https://goodwillgreatplains.org/]. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.

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 [https://morningside.edu] To find out more about Goodwill of the Great Plains and the job training and placement services offered, please visit goodwillgreatplains.org [https://goodwillgreatplains.org]. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.

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 [https://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 [https://goodwillbooks.com]. To find out more about Goodwill of the Great Plains and the job training and placement services offered, please visit goodwillgreatplains.org [https://goodwillgreatplains.org]. The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.

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 [http://www.seamservices.com] You can find refurbished items sold by SEAM at bargainbytes.net [http://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 [http://www.goodwillgreatplains.org] The Sustainable Steps podcast is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Gilchrist Foundation.