PEORIA MAGAZINE April 2023

PRESERVING THE PLANET WITH EVERY DONATION By Craig W. Armstrong, Goodwill Assistant Director of Communications

Why is recycling so important for those of us living on this big blue marble? Recycling means protecting our ecosystem and wildlife, saving energy, cutting climate-changing carbon emissions and whole lot more. For Goodwill of Central Illinois, recycling has always been at the forefront of what we do. Not all dona tions make it to the store floor, so that provides us with a challenge. While not all materials can be recycled, a great many can. You might think that an old pair of shoes or that mustard stained shirt are useless, they’re not. We recycle everything from clothes to metal and shoes to computers. In 2022, Good will of Central Illinois recycled 4.18 million pounds of material. While this number is impressive, it’s important to remember that simply shopping at Goodwill is recycling. For example, when someone donates a toaster, another person buys it. Its new owner has just recycled its use. When the toaster no longer works, it can be recycled in a more traditional way. The same holds true for clothes, house wares, kitchen wares and so on. If you’re a Goodwill donor, great, you’re recycling. If you’re a Goodwill shopper, great, you’re recycling. If you’re both…congratulations, you’re green! Let’s talk about computers. Many years ago, computers were a source of wonder. Displayed proudly in our homes and revered as portholes of knowledge. Today they’re disposable due to the speed at which technology advances. Again, to preserve our “big blue marble,” you can’t simply throw them away. That’s where Goodwill’s Dell Reconnect program comes in. Goodwill of Central Illinois recycles ANY brand of computer and all the stuff that makes them run. That means, mice, cords, monitors, printers and so on.

Simply drop them off and Goodwill takes care of the rest. This program is great for business es as well. Is your company upgrading and getting rid of computers? Goodwill wants them! Goodwill is a resource for our community and recycling is just one of things that we do. All of Goodwill of Central Illinois’ services are FREE. We want to help people find work and we’ve got connections with hundreds of local employers. Along with veterans’ support services and a youth mentoring program, Goodwill is here to serve the people of Central Illinois. While helping individuals is at the forefront, don’t forget that Goodwill can also help local employers. We can find the right employee for your organization. Along with employment, Goodwill can also train current employees. From Microsoft Excel to basic computer skills, we can upskill your existing workforce. It’s impossible for one person to save the planet, but we can all do our part. Donating to Goodwill helps to preserve our world and the world of future generations. It’s a small thing, but small things matter in the big picture.

56 APRIL 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE