Although the United States is home to many green initiatives and recycling programs, the country is also one of the biggest producers of waste in the world. An estimated 30% of all trash worldwide comes from the U.S., and that doesn’t even cover other types of pollution and other negative impacts on the environment. While it’s not possible to solve these issues in a day, everyone can play a part in helping to reduce pollution, reuse items, and recycle where necessary.
How can you help to reverse these effects? One way to do so is to find out if any of your castoffs can go to charity organizations. Many charities look for local clothing donations and other items to help others in their community, and they have the added bonus of reducing the amount of waste headed to the landfill. Clothing alone makes up approximately 12 to 13 million tons of waste each year, so every little bit given to charity helps reduce that number. Some people may think that local organizations may not be looking for donations, but in most, if not all, cases, charities will always need items from donors like yourself.
Could one of your local charities be looking for donations? If you’re not sure, try calling them to ask if they will accept your gently used clothing donations or other household items. Some charities may have limits on certain items — for instance, they may not need anymore pairs of shoes. However, that doesn’t mean that other items won’t be accepted. Ask what’s in demand for the season, such as winter coats or sweaters. If you’re wondering where to donate household items like furniture, you can ask if they’ll accept these donations, as well.
If you need to find a charity near you that is looking for donations, ask friends or family members for suggestions. You can also search online for charities in your area that accept whatever you have to give. Some online databases also help donors find suitable charities with convenience donation pick up and drop off options. Have more questions about donating? Leave a comment in the space provided.
