While Goodwill of North Georgia works daily to put people to work, the agency also aims to support sustainability. We diverted more than 44 million pounds of waste from Georgia landfills in 2020. By incorporating eco-friendly options into your everyday lifestyle, you are doing your part for the environment and lessening waste. If you were ever wondering what kind of affordable options there are to becoming more eco-friendly, you can take a look at our guide below as all of these items can be found at your local Goodwill.

Water Bottles

Switching to a reusable water bottle is one of the most common eco-friendly swaps people make. Throwing away plastic water bottles after one use builds waste that often ends up in landfills for years or inhabiting the ocean. Of the 29 billion water bottles purchased every year, only 13 percent end up being recycled into new products. Make the switch to a reusable water bottle that you can fill up again and again. They make great gifts, and you can find them in different styles at your nearest Goodwill.

Water Bottle Pollution Facts (sfgate.com)

Glass Food Containers

Not only are glass food containers aesthetically pleasing, but they are also better for the environment and your health. Recycled glass decreases water pollution by 20% and air pollution by 50%. When storing food, there are less risks using glass since it doesn’t absorb or release toxic chemicals. Plastic is prone to warping and doesn’t last as long as glass will when it’s properly taken care of. This makes glass the safer and more eco-friendly option when cooking and preserving food.

Why Glass Bottles Better Than Plastic (glassisbetter.com)

Fabric Napkins

At your next dinner party, consider adding fabric napkins to your place settings for guests. Paper napkins are almost always taken and thrown out in high quantities and without a second thought causing massive waste. Paper and other similar materials make up a majority of waste in the US. Besides being more sustainable, adding fabric napkins will elevate the level of elegance at your next gathering.

Facts and Statistics About Waste For 2021 – HWH Environmental

Every small action you take towards sustainability will help the environment in the long run. You can find any of these items at our Goodwill locations and on eBay. If you want to learn about other ways Goodwill is protecting the environment, take a look at our partnership with Dell Reconnect.