On April 22, people around the world will celebrate Earth Day by volunteering with organizations and initiatives that help create positive impacts on the Earth. Goodwill of Middle GA & the CSRA would like to encourage community members to think beyond this single day of making a difference and endeavor to create a positive environmental impact each and every day.

Being good stewards of the environment is embedded in Goodwill’s mission and values. As our founder, Dr. Rev. Edgar J. Helms, once said, “Goodwill saves the waste in men and things.”

“Earth Day is a special day that reminds us to think about how our actions impact the environment, said Jennifer Tyner, Vice President for Development at Goodwill of Middle GA & the CSRA. “At Goodwill, stewardship for the earth is at the heart of what we do. Since its inception in 1902, Goodwill has been committed to recycling and reuse.”

In advance of Earth Week, we are highlighting different ways to live sustainably and reduce waste by reusing, repairing, repurposing, and recycling.

On Earth Day and every day throughout the year, we encourage everyone to support reuse and keep goods in circulation for longer by donating to and shopping at Goodwill. Local Goodwill donation centers stand ready to receive clothes, toys, furniture, electronics, and other items. These donated items will be reused by someone else rather than having them clog up our landfills.

“Did you know that in the United States, one garbage truck filled with clothes is dumped in landfills every second,” says Tyner. “This is a concerning issue for our environment. However, there are ways we can help. Donating clothes and shopping at Goodwill is a great way to practice earth-friendly activities. Plus, it can have a significant impact on our local community.”

In 2023, donors helped GIMG divert more than 14,365,171.33 pounds from the landfills by reselling them in our store or through our salvage department. This year, you can help divert even more items from the nearby landfills by donating your gently used clothing and household goods.  In turn, the revenue from these purchases provides education, training, and career services to individuals in our local community. Last year, 3,851 individuals were placed into competitive employment through collecting, processing, and selling donated items. 

Join us in making a difference—donate to Goodwill and help us transform lives through the power of reuse. Together, we can make every day Earth Day.

Donations can be made at various Goodwill locations throughout the region, each equipped to give your old goods new life and purpose.  For more information or to find a donation center near you, please visit www.goodwillworks.org