|
Here are 10 ways in which you can “go green” this holiday season with Goodwill:
1. Buying a new computer? Simply take your unwanted electronics — any brand, any condition — to a participating Goodwill store or donation drop-off site. Through a partnership between Goodwill and Dell, known as ReConnect, you can responsibly recycle any of your unwanted electronics at no cost.
2. Airline lost your bag? Save on your greenbacks and quickly replace your travel wardrobe at Goodwill. Visit www.goodwill.org or call (800) 664-6577 to visit the location closest to you.
3. In need of an authorized reproduction of classic Coca-Cola signage, vintage coins or an original oil painting this holiday season? Look no further than shopgoodwill.com, the first and only Internet nonprofit auction site. The site, which was named #18 in TIME.com’s “50 Best Websites of 2009,” provides a wide array of special gifts that fit your budget — and the revenues go to fund job training programs for people in need.
4. Donate your unused car to Goodwill and keep it out of the landfill and junk yard
5. Making holiday cookies, jams or other treats for your friends, colleagues or neighbors? Find recycled mason jars, cookie tins and other containers at your local Goodwill.
6. Did you know that the trash from gift-wrap and shopping bags totals 4 million tons annually in the United States alone? Instead of buying new rolls of wrapping paper, browse Goodwill for creative wrapping ideas like old comics, magazines and antique boxes.
7. Whipping up a holiday meal for 20 of your closest family members? Pick up cast iron pans for your holiday cooking, which in addition to adding iron to your diet, are more eco-friendly than newer nonstick and coated cookware.
8. Against using plastic for your shopping needs? Find a shopping tote at your local Goodwill and carry it around in lieu of plastic shopping bags. Count how many plastic bags you turn down.
9. Going to your local Goodwill for your end of the year tax donation? Save on gas by shopping and donating to Goodwill in one trip. Ask your neighbors if they have anything to contribute or organize a community donation drive.
10. Want to give this season, but not in the form of money? Consider giving the gift of “time” instead. Volunteer at your local Goodwill in the name of the person you are giving the gift to. Your specialized skills and expertise could save thousands of dollars that could be used to help people in your community instead.
|