Celebrate Earth Day with Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana Thrift

When people think of sustainability, they often think of recycling trash, using reusable shopping bags, or using recyclable materials in their homes. But, buying secondhand and vintage clothing, shoes, and other items is a great way to practice sustainable living and reduce the strain on natural resources.

Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana makes it easy to reduce, reuse and recycle through donating to and shopping with our thrift stores. Donating your gently used clothing and household items makes a greater impact on the earth and your neighbors than you may realize.

Thrifting is Green

The payback of thrift shopping is twofold: not only is 80% of the merchandise at a Volunteers of America thrift store priced at $1.99 or less, but you’re also greatly reducing your material consumption. Consider this, it takes 105 gallons of water to grow cotton fiber for just one cotton diaper and 987 gallons of water to produce one pair of jeans. By purchasing just one t-shirt secondhand, you are saving 256 gallons of water.

You can also contribute by donating your items to Volunteers of America. Your contribution helps keep items out of the landfills while promoting a healthier planet. All in all, donating your clothing and buying secondhand contributes to textile recycling­—an industry that prevents 20 billion pounds of post-consumer textile waste.

Schedule a free pick-up today or visit any of our thrift store locations and feel good knowing you not only helped the planet, but the veterans, families, and individuals we serve every day.