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The State of Sustainability

The State of Sustainability

By Caleb Powell

This is the State of Sustainability. A podcast that highlights sustainability initiatives throughout the state and develops an informal conversation about environmental stewardship that the average person can understand and replicate.

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Nobody Trashes Tennessee

The State of SustainabilityNov 15, 2023

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23:20
Nobody Trashes Tennessee

Nobody Trashes Tennessee

Episode 46: This month is No Trash November! Nobody Trashes Tennessee is a campaign put on by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to bring awareness to litter prevention through community based programming. We are joined by Mike McClanahan, the Transportation Manager for TDOT's Beautification Office. He highlights all of the great resources and initiatives that the we have in Tennessee to combat litter and keep our beautiful state clean.


Nobody Trashes Tennessee YouTube Channel

Nov 15, 202323:20
Keep Tennessee Beautiful

Keep Tennessee Beautiful

Episode 45: This month we get the pleasure of sitting down with Missy Marshall, the Executive Director of Keep Tennessee Beautiful (KTnB). KTnB's mission is to educate and inspire Tennesseans to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. They are celebrating 40 years as an organization at the end of this month. Listen in to hear about the history of KTnB, the change they are making, and what is planned for the future!

Sep 15, 202350:44
EVs in Tennessee
Aug 15, 202347:13
Earth Month Recap

Earth Month Recap

Episode 43: As you all should know, we like to call April "Earth Month" since it houses our favorite holiday: Earth Day. Not only that, but it is the start of true spring weather and a busy time of our office. We set up booths at festivals and conferences to highlight the sustainability programming and resources that we offer to Tennesseans. This episode is a casual chat about the history of Earth Day and all of the events that take place throughout April. No Ranger Report.

May 16, 202321:51
Raising Sustainable Kids

Raising Sustainable Kids

Episode 42: Sorry for the month break everyone! Ashley and Caleb both welcomed new babies during the month of March so we were unable to get an episode out. With that being said, we wanted to come back this month with some things that they have learned during pregnancy and the early newborn stage. It can sometimes be hard to be sustainable with a new baby, but this episode gives some good tips and tricks to try to be the most sustainable parents you can be. No Ranger Report this month.

Apr 14, 202331:33
The Conservation Kid

The Conservation Kid

Episode 41: This month we get to catch up with Cash Daniels, a 13-year old river conservationist. He is better known as the Conservation Kid. Cash tells us about his passion for sustainability, where it came from, and how he is making a difference. He is one of our heroes and really embodies the fact that even though kids are a small part of the population, they are 100% of the future.

Feb 15, 202315:44
Pick Tennessee Products

Pick Tennessee Products

Episode 40: This month we are joined by Debbie Ball, a business development consultant for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. She oversees the Pick Tennessee Products Program which connects people everywhere to all of the great things that come from Tennessee farms and food businesses. Make sure to download the app to find your closest farmers market and locally grown produce. Apple Store or Google Play. This month's Ranger Report covers South Cumberland State Park. We are joined by Park Manager, George Shinn, to discuss the many activities that are available at the park.

Jan 17, 202352:02
Rockwood Sustainable Solutions

Rockwood Sustainable Solutions

Episode 39: We are joined by a returning guest, Lincoln Young. He is the owner of Rockwood Sustainable Solutions and talks about how his business started as a shingle recycler and has grown into more of a "hard-to-recycle material handler". He also highlights the science behind gasification and how the City of Lebanon is doing it. The Ranger Report is back and we are joined by Ranger Jesse Germeraad from Cedars of Lebanon State Park. His historic knowledge and park experience make him the perfect person to tell us everything we need to know about the 1,139 acre park in Lebanon, TN.

Dec 16, 202254:21
Urban Heat Island Mapping
Nov 16, 202245:52
Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls

Episode 37: This month we get to speak with Hugh Morrow, the President and CEO of Ruby Falls. Ruby Falls is a one-of-a-kind, iconic attraction in Chattanooga, TN that includes the tallest underground waterfall open to the public. Hugh tells us about the innovations and sustainability initiatives that have been added to Ruby Falls during his tenure there. The Ranger Report this month highlights Red Clay State Historic Park. We are joined by Ranger Taylor Young to discuss the rich history of this amazing park. 

Oct 17, 202254:44
Sustainable Travel
Sep 15, 202232:48
Tennessee State Parks
Jul 20, 202255:58
Sustainable Concrete

Sustainable Concrete

Episode 34: We are joined by Rhett Dunlap from CarbonCure, a carbon removal technology company that reduces the carbon footprint of concrete. Concrete is the most abundant human-made material on earth. With billions of metric tons poured annually, we rely on it to build our growing world. CarbonCure’s technologies allow concrete to be used as a pathway to store CO2 emissions in a way that is permanent, verifiable and scalable. The Ranger Report this month features Pickett CCC Memorial State Park. We are joined by Park Manager Travis Stover and learn about Pickett State Park earning the Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park designation. It became the first state park in the Southeast to gain this prestigious recognition.

May 16, 202234:30
Food Waste Awareness Week
Apr 20, 202227:55
Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP)
Mar 15, 202233:16
Sustainable Cities Part 3: Knoxville
Jan 17, 202245:12
Sustainable Cities Part 2: Nashville
Dec 15, 202141:50
Sustainable Cities Part 1: Chattanooga
Oct 19, 202157:44
Higher Education Part 2 - Sustainability Programs
Sep 17, 202126:44
Higher Education Part 1 - APSU

Higher Education Part 1 - APSU

Episode 27 - This month we are starting a two part series on the topic of sustainability in higher education. Today we are talking to Olivia Herron, the Sustainability Coordinator for Austin Peay State University. She chatted with us about Project EcoGovs, the competition to become the most sustainable department on campus. We also took some time to talk about something every college student needs.......MONEY. The Great Green Idea Contest gives students the opportunity to win cash prizes for their eco-friendly ideas that they would like to see implemented on campus. There isn't a Ranger Report this month.

Aug 17, 202134:57
A Chat with TDEC's Commissioner

A Chat with TDEC's Commissioner

Episode 26: The time has arrived! We finally get to sit down with David Salyers, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). His leadership qualities make our department a prominent leader in the fight for environmental sustainability, justice, and conservation. This month we get to learn more about who Commissioner Salyers is, where he came from, and what he has planned for the future. 

Also, we are back to recording together! As you can probably tell from the audio, this is our first in-person episode since before the pandemic. It felt good to be back, especially with such a cool guest. 

No Ranger Report this month.

Jul 15, 202140:46
Urban Farming

Urban Farming

Episode 25: This month we are talking about hidden treasures found in urban areas. First, we are joined by the Farm Manager, Farmer Scout, of Crabtree Farms. Crabtree Farms is an urban farm in Chattanooga, TN that provides fresh, healthy food and networking and educational opportunities for their community. We are informed about the various workshops, U-Picks, and events that go on for the community from their farm. The Ranger Report this month highlights Radnor Lake State Park in Nashville, TN. Park Manager, Steve Ward, calls in to explain the significance of his little park that brings in a lot of visitors. Nestled right outside of downtown Nashville, Radnor Lake SP is an easy get away and great opportunity to learn about birds of prey. 

Jun 16, 202130:53
Managing Waste / Recycling
May 17, 202142:03
The Good Fill

The Good Fill

Episode 23: This month we are joined by Megan Gill, owner of The Good Fill. The Good Fill exists to offer more sustainable alternatives to items we all use or dispose of on a regular basis. The store is like one of those candy stores where you fill up a bag and pay for the amount that you get, but for hygiene products. The Ranger Report covers Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park, found in Byrdstown, TN. Ranger Josh Welch joins us to talk about the park's rich history and cave adventures!  

Apr 16, 202134:45
Tire Recycling

Tire Recycling

Episode 22: This month we talk about tire recycling, the ins and out and logistics, and how big of a problem it can be to not dispose of tires properly. We talk about the Tire Environmental Act Program, which provides grants for projects that result in beneficial reuses of tires. We have two great guests on the episode. Lincoln Young, President of Tennessee Recycling Coalition and owner of Rockwood Recycling Solutions joins us to talk about the logistics of tire recycling. Michael Meister, Trails Administrator for Tennessee State Parks joins us to discuss the Tires to Trails program in Tennessee State Park. Fun fact: When completed, T.O. Fuller State Park's Tires to Trails project will be the longest continuous recycled tire porous pavement trail in the world!

Mar 25, 202147:18
Green Hospitality
Mar 03, 202143:47
Sustainable Resolutions

Sustainable Resolutions

Episode 20: Happy New Year! This month we decided to make some calls and ask our colleagues what their sustainable resolutions were for the upcoming year. Listen in for some great ideas on how you can be more sustainable in 2021. No Ranger Report this month.

Feb 03, 202121:60
Sustainable Woodworking
Feb 01, 202126:47
Landfills
Nov 22, 202028:55
Recycling Facility - Greif

Recycling Facility - Greif

Episode 17: This month we get to tour a fiber recycling facility (Greif) and sit down with the general manager to discuss the processes and the recycling market. We are missing Ashley since she is out on maternity leave. This episode is very special because our guest is actually Caleb's father, Buford Powell. He has extensive knowledge in the solid waste industry and breaks down the current fiber recycling situation. He also took us on a tour that will be shared through our Instagram page. Our Ranger Report this month highlights Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park in Manchester, TN. Ranger Leigh Gardner explains the significance of this archaeological park, which is one of only two in the state.

Oct 02, 202037:53
The Zero Waste Podcast

The Zero Waste Podcast

Episode 16: This month we get to connect with the Zero Waste Trash Talk Podcast. Maris Masellis joins the conversation to discuss the sustainability podcast that covers global solutions and ideas. Our Ranger Report this month highlights Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton, TN. Ranger Jason Davis explains the rich history of the park like how that section of Tennessee was crucial for American freedom.

Sep 02, 202042:20
National Park & Recreation Month

National Park & Recreation Month

Episode 15: It's National Park & Recreation Month and you know how much we love parks! In this episode we get to hear from Dana Soehn, the Park Spokesperson at Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM). She joins the Pod to inform us on ways to plan a sustainable trip to the national park. She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to GRSM and teaches us about everything from wildlife to the many opportunities that the park has to offer. We also get to speak with Robin Peeler, a TN State Parks Area Manager. She oversees the management of 9 state parks in the upper East Tennessee. We get to chat about new programs and our great Tennessee State Parks!

Jul 23, 202043:35
Self Sufficiency
Jun 26, 202042:29
Backyard Gardening

Backyard Gardening

Episode 13: This month we are still coming to you from our home offices. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to all aspects of society and emphasized the importance of community and household resilience through self-reliance. During this Pod, we learn a lot about at-home gardening from the horticulture genius, Lucas Holman. He works for the UT Agriculture Extension Office in Wilson County and was also Caleb's high school Ag teacher. He gives us tips and tricks on how to start our own gardens and make it flourish. The Ranger Report this month highlights Burgess Falls State Park in Sparta, TN. Park Ranger Hannah Morgan joins us to talk about the park re-opening and opportunities that the park offers.

May 26, 202039:04
Food Donation
Apr 16, 202001:10:03
Materials Marketplace

Materials Marketplace

Episode 11: This month we check out the innovative platform, developed and maintained by the United States Business Council for Sustainable Development, called the Tennessee Materials Marketplace.  We are joined by Environmental Consultant, Vaughn Cassidy, who helps us better understand the "by-product dating site". One of the largest success stories from the TN Materials Marketplace comes from the tile manufacturer in Clarksville, TN - Florim, USA. Don Haynes, the facility's Environmental Health and Safety Manager, is another one of our guests. The Ranger Report this month is a little different than what we usually do. We welcome Kelsey Davis, Environmental Consultant, to discuss the sustainability program she helped create for all of our 56 state parks called Go Green With Us!

Mar 20, 202042:11
Sustainable Spirits

Sustainable Spirits

Episode 10: This episode covers our office's newest initiative, the Tennessee Sustainable Spirits (TNSS) program. And yes we are talking about alcohol, not ghosts! We sit down with the mastermind behind the program, Mark Valencia, to help us understand the reason for needing a program like this. He teaches us about the brewing and distilling process and how energy intensive it is. We also take a trip out to Short Mountain Distillery to interview owner Billy Kaufman. He talks about being one of the initial TNSS pilot members and his new, 100% organic Tennessee Whiskey that is coming out. The Ranger Report this month highlights Johnsonville State Historic Park in New Johnsonville, TN. Park Ranger Noah Sinz joins us to talk about the historic park and what it has to offer.

Feb 21, 202001:06:11
Radon Awareness
Feb 03, 202027:50
Music City Center

Music City Center

Episode 8: This episode covers sustainability initiatives of the Music City Center, the guitar shaped convention center in the middle of downtown Nashville. We were able to tour the building and sit down with the Sustainability Coordinator, Renee Barker, to discuss the green roof, toilets that use recaptured water, and even the honey bees that reside on the top of the building. We get to listen to Executive Chef, Max Knoepfel, talk about locally sourced food, composting, and food donation. The Ranger Report this month highlights Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park in Pall Mall, TN. Park Manager Nathaniel Dodson joins us to talk about the historic park and what it has to offer.  

Jan 22, 202028:59
Sustainable Transportation
Dec 27, 201951:39
Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards (GESA)
Oct 21, 201936:56
Energy Conservation

Energy Conservation

Episode 5: This month we talk about how to reduce your energy bill during the hot summer months. We are joined by Christian Shackelford from green|spaces in Chattanooga. He is the Program Director for Empower Chattanooga, which teaches residents low cost and no cost ways to reduce their utility bills. The Ranger Report this month highlights Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer, TN. Assistant Park Manager, Robert Becker, joins the pod to inform us on all of the great things that take place at Fall Creek Falls.  

Sep 23, 201936:20
Recycling 101
Jul 10, 201944:04
Food Waste

Food Waste

Episode 3: This episode highlights the Get Food Smart TN statewide initiative that promotes reducing food waste and increasing food recovery and diversion. You will also learn tips on reducing food waste in your home.

We are excited to announce the first Ranger Report segment of the podcast series. The Ranger Report portion of the podcast is intended to help promote our Tennessee State Parks system while updating the public on park activities, sustainability success stories, and day-to-day operations. This month we highlighted Pickwick Landing State Park in Counce, TN with ranger Brittney Magness.


Jun 06, 201938:06
Earth Month
Apr 17, 201940:60
Introduction
Apr 17, 201943:28