Supporting Environmental Stewardship...

Goodwill Recycle Center

In fiscal year 2009 Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids recycled 3.8 million lbs of materials that were formerly destined for the landfills. Additionally through our textile salvage program we managed to keep 5.5 million pounds of unsold textiles and 1.2 million pounds of unsold shoes and books from entering the waste stream.  We are currently on track to increase the amount of materials recycled by about 38% this fiscal year as compared to fiscal year 2009. 


Reconnect

Goodwill Industries and Dell have partnered to create Reconnect, a free program for consumers to reuse and recycle unwanted electronics. Bring your unwanted new or used technology to any local Goodwill store or donation center, and Goodwill will refurbish or recycle the equipment. 

This program is free, and your donation may be tax deductible. Check with your tax advisor for more information about eligibility and how to determine the value of your donation. Note: Goodwill asks that you take responsibility for your data before donating. Please remove all data from your hard drive. Visit the  Reconnect Website!
 

Television Recycling

Now that televisions have reached a digital age, consumers may wonder what to do with the old outdated sets when purchasing new ones. Goodwill provides a solution that keeps televisions from ending up in landfills. A tube TV can have several pounds of lead and other toxic materials. By donating your television set to Goodwill, you will be helping the environment along with supporting recycling programs that help put people back to work. 

In partnership with MRM and Samsung, Goodwill complies with e-Stewards certification to provide television recycling. This certification requires recyclers to keep toxics out of landfills, prohibits the shredding of mercury-containing devices, ensures worker protections and bans the export of toxic e-waste to developing countries.  

For more information on the certification, go to http://e-stewards.org/certification-overview/.

MRM: http://www.mrmrecycling.com

Samsung: http://www.samsung.com/us/aboutsamsung/citizenship/usactivities_environment_samsungrecyclingdirect.html


LEED Certified Goodwill Store

In addition to the recycling center Goodwill has recently opened its Standale retail store and donation center. This is the first Goodwill retail store meeting LEED certification specifications in Michigan, and only the third LEED certified Goodwill facility in the world. Some of the highlights of this facility are:

  • The roof is 100% white. This contributes to the reduction of the heat island effect.

  • Water efficient plumbing fixtures, such as dual flush toilets, reduce building water use by 30%

  • The building envelope is very thermally efficient, saving about $10,000 per year in energy consumption.

  • Over 75% of construction waste was diverted from landfills.

  • 20% of the building uses recycled content.

  • Over 20% of the buildings materials came from within 500 miles of the facility.

  • The store utilized certified wood which aids in environmentally responsible forest management.

  • Low VOC emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, and carpets were used, thus reducing the amount of indoor air contaminants.