At Goodwill, we believe in making a difference, not just through job training and community support, but also by caring for our planet. This year, we are excited to announce several key initiatives that are advancing our commitment to sustainability. Through innovative recycling programs, waste reduction efforts, and new tracking systems, we are making significant strides in minimizing our environmental impact.

One of our latest efforts is the pilot launch of a glass recycling program at select locations. By recycling glass, we are helping to reduce waste while repurposing materials that might otherwise end up in landfills. This program has already shown both cost-savings and environmental benefits, and we are looking forward to expanding it in the near future.

We have also implemented a new electronics program designed to tackle the growing issue of electronic waste. Donated electronics that are no longer functional are carefully processed, with reusable parts salvaged and harmful materials responsibly disposed of. Many electronics we get are still usable. Those items are cleared of any private, personal data (based on Department of Defense standards), refurbished and resold. This program aims to give old technology a second life and reduce the environmental harm caused by e-waste.

In another step toward sustainability, Goodwill continues taking action to eliminate single-use plastic shopping bags from all stores. This phased transition to reusable and eco-friendly alternatives is one way we are doing our part to reduce plastic pollution and encourage sustainable shopping habits.

As part of our ongoing commitment, we are also exploring options for textile recycling, with the goal of extending the life cycle of clothing and fabric items that can no longer be resold or donated. This initiative is still in the planning stages, but we believe it holds great potential for reducing textile waste on a large scale.

To ensure we are making measurable progress, we are developing a new environmental impact scorecard to track and report on our sustainability efforts quarterly. This scorecard will help us evaluate key areas such as waste reduction, recycling rates, and resource conservation, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.

Thanks to all these efforts, Goodwill diverted over 43 million pounds of waste from landfills last year alone. This milestone highlights the incredible impact we can achieve when we work together for the good of our communities and the environment.

As we continue to expand these programs and explore new ways to reduce waste, we remain committed to creating a sustainable future. We are proud of the progress we have made, and we look forward to furthering our efforts in the years to come. Together, we are not just making a difference in the lives of individuals but in the health of our planet, as well.