4 Ways to Be More Kind to the Earth in 2023
Taking better care of our planet has never been more important, and the start of a new year is the perfect time to make simple changes that lessen our impact on the environment around us.
Ohio Valley Goodwill is the perfect place to start! Here are four ways you can be kinder to our Earth in 2023.
Make Mealtime More Sustainable
Disposable dishware “” whether paper, foam, or plastic “” takes massive amounts of energy to produce. Most are not recyclable due to food contamination, and some take years to break down in a landfill!
The more planet-friendly option is to use real dishes, which are washed and reused over and over again for a long life. Thrifting these items is an even better choice because it saves the energy needed to manufacture new ones. Ohio Valley Goodwill’s shelves are the perfect place to find a matching dish set or to put together a unique set of your own!
Real Towels Over Paper Towels
Swapping out paper towels is more about a mindset. Kids spill juice on the floor? Dog comes in with muddy paws? Don’t immediately reach for the roll of paper towels! Beyond your dish and bath towels, keep a stash for the really messy stuff life throws at you, and you’ll be better prepared to cut down on all the disposables. Of course, thrifting towels is a great way to keep costs down when you stock up!
Reuse and Recycle Home Goods
This year, turn your attention to how much use you’re giving items you bring into your home. When it comes to clothes, avoid fast fashion, which has an incredible impact on the environment. One good tip is to stop yourself from making a purchase if you don’t think you’ll wear the item more than 30 times.
Thrifting clothes and home goods is the perfect way to extend their lives, and donating items you no longer need returns the favor. You can do it all at your local Goodwill!
Reduce Packaging
Another area where environmental impact is often forgotten is in product packaging. Each cardboard box and plastic wrapping that’s used to package an item is material that consumes energy to produce and will need to be disposed of. Before buying an item, consider the environmental impact of the packaging. For example, bar soap uses less packaging than body wash. Better yet, thrifted items often come with no packaging at all. You can even skip the shopping bag at checkout if you’d like!
Making these simple lifestyle choices really can make an impact. Let Ohio Valley Goodwill help you meet your goal of being more sustainable in 2023. Get familiar with your nearest Goodwill Thrift Store and Donation Center, and you’ll be well on your way to being more Earth-friendly.
Don’t forget, supporting Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries results in programs that provide skills training and job placement services right here in the Cincinnati area. Where else can your need for retail therapy do good for your neighbors and your planet?
