Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we’re grateful for, gather with loved ones, and share a bountiful meal. But as we celebrate, it’s also an opportunity to think about how we can approach the holiday with sustainability in mind.
It’s certainly the season to reflect on our blessings and extend that gratitude to others in need. You can give back to your community by donating gently used clothing, toys, or household items to Goodwill Central Coast (our donation center directory can be found here). Not only does this support our mission to remove obstacles to employment, but it also promotes a circular economy, keeping items out of landfills and giving them a second life.
Beyond the human impact, your donations also help protect the environment. In a typical year, Goodwill Central Coast receives more than 630,000 donations, totaling more than 25 million pounds of clothing and household items. From those generous donations, GCC diverts approximately 17,000 tons from landfills, and the money raised helps fund programs that put thousands of people back to work.
It’s a win-win proposition — for the people and the planet. Donations help empower individuals to find meaningful employment while helping preserve and protect the Central Coast landscape.
Think sustainably during the holidays
Whether it’s the food we prepare, the decor we use, or how we give back, Thanksgiving offers plenty of ways to incorporate eco-friendly practices while keeping gratitude at the forefront. Here’s how you can celebrate Thanksgiving with gratitude and sustainability this year:
- Try some DIY decor: When it comes to home decorations, you can create magazine-cover quality without breaking the bank. Goodwill Central Coast encourages you to buy secondhand — to protect the planet and your pocketbook. Having decorations made from upcycled and sustainable materials is the icing on the cake. Throws and scarves are a great alternative to traditional tablecloths. You can always find them at Goodwill and after a good washing, they are great on the table for layering and adding color! Vases are easy to find at Goodwill. Just snip a few slender tree branches (with or without leaves) and drop them into the vases for an elegant look. Old jars can become candle holders, and fabric scraps can be turned into napkins or tablecloths. Consider shopping at Goodwill for unique, secondhand finds that can add charm to your decor while reducing waste.
- Rethink that Black Friday mentality: According to Earth.org, clothing production has doubled while the lifetime of garment usage has decreased dramatically since the year 2000. The fact is, the global fashion industry is the second-largest industrial polluter, accounting for about 10 percent of global pollution, ranking higher than emissions from air travel and maritime transport combined. To help counter the Black Friday shopping frenzy seen at huge malls or online, make Goodwill your sustainable, affordable option. At our stores you can scoop up the secondhand treasures that will delight you or someone else while protecting the environment. It’s important that we all make a conscious effort to reduce our conspicuous consumption, and protect the planet we share.
- Eat up the leftovers: Somewhere between 30 to 40 percent of the U.S. food supply is wasted. Just thrown away. When it comes to Thanksgiving, embrace the leftovers. By the next day, all the food we cook tastes way better anyway. Since we have a long weekend for Thanksgiving, (and we do get tired of eating turkey and all the fixings for four straight days), focus on recipes to use up any leftover ingredients, and change up your weekend menus. Also, you may want to consider incorporating more plant-based dishes into your meal. Reducing meat consumption, even for just one meal, is a great way to reduce your environmental impact.
Giving thanks by giving back
Goodwill Central Coast offers a meaningful way to extend the spirit of Thanksgiving beyond your household. By donating items or shopping for secondhand goods, you’re contributing to a circular economy that reduces waste, helps create jobs, and provides opportunities for others. So as you prepare for the holiday, remember that giving back can be as simple as cleaning out your closet and making a donation to Goodwill.
From all of us at Goodwill Central Coast, we wish everyone in our communities a grateful, joyful and sustainable Thanksgiving!
