The Goodwill is no stranger to our family. We drop off “goodies” at least a dozen times a year, but today was different. First let’s back track. In the United States, we have a store called Goodwill. This is their mission:
Goodwill works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.
– Copied directly from the source: http://www.goodwill.org/about-us/our-mission/
I have taught my children that we are rich and need to give to others. I truly believe this. Being rich in my book, does not constitute for the many items and things we have. We are by no means the upscale money overflowing, can’t decide what to do with rich; however, we do have our share of items. One of the times we donate is prior to Christmas. I explain to the children that we are giving our gifts to others and therefore it teaches them how to share and give. But, today was especially different because my four year old noticed that I was donating my stuff. I usually can bundle up a good bag or two of children’s clothes and toys but I am slim this round. They grow so fast that it’s the first item to think of! This time, I realized I didn’t have any clothes to give (from anyone) so I needed a new idea.
Why is donating green?
Donating clothing and household items is Eco-friendly because the unused and/or unwanted item is not directed to the landfill. An item that is perfectly good, could be sitting the dump. Perhaps even worth a good penny or two. Why fill our landfill with more unnecessary “junk” when that item could have easily been reused by someone who wants it? Let’s take for example clothing. Children go through clothing rather quickly because they are growing and need bigger sizes. The smaller sized clothing isn’t bad it’s just not useable to the children in the household. So donate to be reused!
This is just one category item. Today I donated a really nice MP3/Cd player with alarm clock (perfect condition but I don’t use it), a never opened in-the-box stoneware kitchen pieces, never worn classy shoes (still even had tag on), hand-made blankets, a jewelry box etc. These are just some examples. I decided to explore the rest of my house besides our closets!
I do this for the following reasons:
1. I look at these items as clutter in my house. I’m never using them and they are sitting on the shelves in boxes crying for a new home
2. I feel so much better knowing they can be of good use to someone else
3. It helps me simplify my lifestyle and frees my mind on different levels
What to be aware of!
Bet you didn’t think I was going to go there but I am…
There are many “bins/boxes” that are placed in parking lots, churches, bars, gas stations etc. These bins will say things like “Save the Planet, Collect Clothes” or “Collecting Shoes” etc. It’s basically a drop off box. I can only suggest, what I recommend with everything, RESEARCH! Find out where your clothes are being sent to, what they are doing with them and anything else you can. I researched one of those boxes one day and found out the money for the clothes were being sent to an organization that I couldn’t find anything on overseas!
You read that right.
I don’t know why I thought the clothes and/or shoes or whatever else was being sent to a good-caused organization or they were used in some good way. But I never imagined the money being used was for an organization that I couldn’t find any research on!
On the flip side, not all of these drop boxes are unworthy of your donation. Some are good. Some are great. All I can suggest is to take the initiative to do the research for yourself. Does it make you feel good donating to that organization or is it an organization at all? What other alternative could you take that are Ec0-friendly? What is efficient?
Back to my children…
They were excited to see Mama donating not their toys but my toys! Lessons are being taught all across the board and this makes a Mama feel good. I think my son kind of understood the concept today when he said, “Mama, you’re nice to share.”
Looking for more places to donate to? Check out some ideas below:
Local Nature Centers: Sometimes they are looking for milk cartons, snacks etc. to keep their programs going. Be sure to call them
Dress For Success Provides women who are seeking employment with stylish clothing
Hopeline: Verizon provides cell phones to survivors of domestic violence to help stay connected
Kids Flicks: Donate your movies to help create libraries full of movies in children hospitals
One Warm Coat: Collects coats in the Fall season to distribute to those who need them for winter
You can also refurbish an old piece of furniture, host a yard sale, use Craigslist or even your best friend! The point of reusing it so the items don’t end up in our landfills. There’s enough stuff there. Learn to reuse or let others reuse! Think carefully of the items before ditching in the can!