It has been a big year for thinking “green”. As we take stock of our lives and try to figure out what we can be doing to live a greener lifestyle, there's one simple solution - shop more and donate more to Goodwill! Improving our individual environmental track record with Goodwill takes only two easy steps:
Every year, Goodwill keeps tons upon tons of reusable goods out of landfills by recycling millions of unwanted items of clothing and household goods. Those items may be old to us but, as the adage goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Whether helping people personalize their wardrobe or offering collectors one-of-a-kind finds, Goodwill gives its all to finding a new home for our used goods. Plus, there are more than 40 sites throughout the bi-state region for dropping off donations. How is that for a convenient truth?
For those of us seeking an even greater improvement to our environmental impact, Goodwill also accepts donations of motor vehicles. With all the new cars on the market offering high gas mileage and hybrid engines, perhaps it's time to donate the old gas guzzler to Goodwill and upgrade to the latest in gas-saving technology. Goodwill will even tow the old car, free of charge. And if the environment alone is not reason enough to donate to Goodwill, there is always the added bonus of more tax deductions on next season’s tax return.
Recycling does not work if the recycled items are not reused. Every garment, appliance, or piece of furniture purchased at Goodwill represents fewer resources spent on making new products. Therefore, shopping at Goodwill not only leaves more green in your pocket, it means more green for Mother Earth, too.
There is also a philanthropic reason to donate and shop at Goodwill. The sale of items donated to Goodwill helps fund extensive community service programs provided by MERS/Goodwill. MERS/Goodwill is the largest provider of direct social services in the region, with a focus on employment rehabilitation. Each year, the organization helps over 10,000 individuals in our community with barriers to employment gain the skills necessary to enter the workforce and support themselves and their families.