At Goodwill, we like to consider ourselves the original recycler. For more than 75 years, Goodwill Industries of Northern New England has been an entrepreneurial leader, environmental pioneer and social innovator of the “reduce, reuse, repurpose” practice.
Every year, Goodwill Industries of Northern New England demonstrates social and environmental leadership by diverting millions of pounds from landfills, raising millions in revenues and creating thousands of jobs, thus contributing to the economic health of communities in northern New England.
Goodwill is committed to improving the sustainability of our operations, energy efficiency, fuel conservation and other initiatives to reduce and eliminate harmful impacts on the environment. We are also committed to ensuring the health and safety of our clients and employees. For more information, please email us at sustainability@goodwillnne.org.
Our Results for 2009-2010
Energy Efficiency
- Goodwill’s Belfast and Rockland (Maine) Retail Stores and Goodwill’s Headquarters (Portland) earned Energy Star status from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Recycling
- Pounds of computer equipment recycled: 3,541,734
(note that this is computer equipment recycled since 2009) - Pounds of cardboard recycled: 410,179
- Pounds of metal recycled: 726,220
- Pounds of glass recycled: 478,000
- Pounds of textiles made into Good Wipes: 162,659
- Pounds of textiles recycled: 10,893,950
Donations
Thanks to your generosity, we received 32,480,000 pounds of donations last year. Together, we are keeping unnecessary waste out of landfills and funding our job training and support programs.
Central Distribution
Goodwill centrally purchases all materials necessary for our retail stores, offices and programs in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Supplies are shipped to one location and distributed with our trucks on their normal routes. Central distribution saves costs, fuel and reduces carbon emissions.
Buying in Bulk
In addition to central distribution, Goodwill purchases items such as cleaning supplies, office equipment and other materials in bulk. Buying in bulk reduces costs and wasteful packaging and greatly decreases the number of deliveries, saving fuel and energy costs.
Chemical-free Cleaners
All cleaning materials Goodwill uses in our stores, offices, and residences are free of harmful chemicals. Chemical-free cleaners reduce health hazards to our clients, employees and the environment.
CFL Light Bulbs
All Goodwill offices and work spaces currently have CFL’s (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) for overhead lighting. CFL’s have a higher lumen per watt than standard incandescent bulbs, which means on average CFL’s last ten times longer and use 75% less energy. Goodwill employees also have the option of converting desk and floor lamps to CFL’s. These bulbs not only save energy, but help maintain proper light levels, reducing headaches and work fatigue.
Public Transportation
Goodwill participates in the greater Portland METRO “Bus and Buy” program. If you buy something at our Falmouth or Forest Avenue Goodwill, ask a sales associate for a free bus pass!
You can also purchase bus passes at our Concord, NH location for the Concord Area Transit (CAT) public transportation system.
Buying Local
When shoppers donate or purchase items at our Goodwill store locations, they are keeping money in the local economy. Money spent at national chain stores and non-local enterprises is often funneled to corporations that exist elsewhere. According to a study conducted in 2003, “for every $100 spent at a chain, $13 remained in the community while $45 remained when spent with home town businesses.” (source: Portland Buy Local)
Goodwill plays a positive role in the local economy because we create new jobs, offer consumers more shopping choices and help reduce impact on the environment by reducing transportation costs and giving a second life to goods. Supporting Goodwill helps customers achieve a sustainable balance between community, economy, and the environment. Goodwill is a member of Portland Buy Local.
