I’m that guy, you know the one. For some reason I have a mental block when it comes to remembering special dates, everything from birthdays to anniversaries. I can’t explain it, I’m just missing something in my DNA when it comes to recalling things like that. My wife is just amazed by this, as she’s quick to point out I can recite the entire starting lineup for the 1979 World Series Pittsburgh Pirates, but for some reason, I can’t remember when my daughter was born. I mean, I know her birthday is at the end of January, but that’s one of those tricky months with 31 days in it…or is it 30?
Anyway, I consider myself fortunate when, every April, I turn on the television and see a piece about Earth Day. Yes, I like to think of myself as the type of person that does his part to keep his carbon footprint to a minimum, and I separate my recyclables every week, but I must admit I have an ulterior motive for looking forward to Earth Day.
You Too Can Help Horizon Goodwill Make The World A Better Place
Since 1970, Earth Day has been observed worldwide on April 22nd. It all started when Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, a well known politician, highly regarded for his pioneering efforts in environmental work, deemed this date as Earth Day. His goal, which is still in practice today, was to shine a spotlight on environmental issues.
Goodwill Industries® is very active in protecting the environment, not only on every April 22nd, but 365 days a year. I can hear you asking that burning question right now: “John, how does an organization like Goodwill find the time to help the environment on a daily basis? Aren’t they fighting the good fight by just accepting donations, selling items at their stores, using, on average, 90% of the profits to fund job training programs for those with barriers to employment?”
To answer those questions in order, yes, yes and yes. Locally, your Horizon Goodwill accepts donations of lightly used clothing and household items, resells these items at their retail stores and, yes, takes the majority of those funds to fuel valuable job training programs. So, how does the environment benefit from this incredible organization? Well, check out this site and you’ll see, at last count over 8,956,375,916 pounds of usable goods have been kept out of landfills! Pretty impressive, don’t you think?
You can do your part to help the environment, too! My daughter and I love playing the Donation Match Game it’s a great way to teach your kids all about the benefits of recycling items as well as what to donate, and, if you’re like me, you might just find yourself picking up an interesting fact or two along the way!
Oh, I almost forgot, why do I love being reminded about Earth Day? Because I know it always takes place the same week as my lovely wife’s birthday! Yes, the widespread media coverage Earth Day generates has saved me more than once throughout the years! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to head out and find the perfect birthday gift for Missy—before it slips my mind!