Three Ways Goodwill is Good for the Earth

As many of you know, when you shop or donate at Goodwill, you do good for the community. That’s because the money we make from selling donated items in our stores is what funds the programs and services we offer to the community absolutely free of charge. These programs and services help people train for and find employment so that they can support themselves and their families. When families thrive, communities thrive.

But did you know when you shop or donate at Goodwill, you also do good for our planet? Here are just three ways Goodwill is good for the Earth:

1. Goodwill stores play a big part in the circular economy, which is a system that keeps products in circulation for as long as possible. Goodwill helps communities extend the life of usable items, which reduces the amount of material sent to landfills or incinerators. Last year, we sold more than 17 million items, giving them a second chance.
2. Goodwill works to solve the planet’s e-waste problem, the fastest growing waste problem in the world. We recycle and refurbish more than 1 million pounds of electronics each year. Electronics that are donated in working condition and items we’re able to refurbish are sold at our tech store, The GRID. Items that we can’t resell are recycled.
3. Many people don’t realize the amount of limited natural resources it takes to produce everyday items. For example, did you know that it takes 1,800 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to make just one pair of jeans? That’s crazy! When you donate clothes you no longer want and buy secondhand items, you help preserve the planet’s water supply.

If you’re looking for a way to make a difference, start by donating to Goodwill. We make it easy to give stuff a new life to keep the planet a bit greener!