The State of Sustainability

The State of Sustainability Podcast is back and better than ever! Our podcast now offers a video aspect to accompany each episode. Episode 50 highlights Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and we are joined by Emily Leonard, Senior Policy Analyst for TDEC's Office of Policy and Planning.The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has published its report, "Addressing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) “Forever Chemicals” in Tennessee." This comprehensive analysis details PFAS sampling results from source water across the state, outlines health risks, and provides guidance for reducing exposure. Explore the full report and interactive resources to learn how Tennessee is working to protect public health and water quality.You can find more information and the published reports here: https://www.tn.gov/environment/policy/pfas.html

Episode 48: We get to sit down with Nancy Youssef, Chief Corporate Development Officer for Soles4Souls. The conversation highlights the overlapping themes of helping others and sustainability. We discuss:

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

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!

Episode 44: This month we are talking about the ever changing electric vehicle landscape in Tennessee. There are currently three separate automotive manufacturers that are producing electric vehicles in TN, with another to begin in 2025. Mark Finlay, from TDEC's Office of Energy Programs, joins us to highlight the status of electric vehicles and some eye opening metrics that you will want to hear. The Ranger Report covers Montgomery Bell State Park and we are joined by Park Ranger Destiny Adcox.

Here are some helpful resources below that were mentioned: 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.