As the daughter of a thrift shop enthusiast, I was raised to love second-hand shopping. However, my love of thrift shops did not set in until it was my own wallet that was paying. Now that I have entered the period of my life where I am expected to pay for my own spending, I have rediscovered my love for Goodwill.
So, naturally, I made a list to justify my growing desire to go thrift-shopping.
1. Benefits a Non-Profit
In 2016, Goodwill Industries International, Inc. estimates that the goods donated to their stores will get over 170,000 people back to work. Since their start in 1902, Goodwill has always been about helping people. Since opening their doors, Goodwill has received over 90 million donations and brought in over $5.37 billion in revenue. But this company is about more than just being a receptacle for our country's used items. Last year, Goodwill helped provide 26.4 million people with job training in a variety of industries including but limited to: banking, IT, and healthcare.
2. Environmentally Conscious
When you buy clothing used, you are actively participating in reducing the amount of waste that will end up in landfills. You bought something that someone could have thrown away, but they donated because they knew it would find a new home. Additionally, the United States purchases 98 percent of its clothing from other countries, so by buying used clothes here in America, we lower our closet’s carbon footprint. The likelihood is that when you travel to your local Goodwill you will use less coal-burning energy than a new item would consume traveling to America to be bought by you.
3. Fiscally Conscious
Thrift shops became trendy during the recession of the early 2000's which could explain why I grew up wearing used clothing. But now that I’m an adult, I am consciously choosing to purchase clothing and items second-hand because it just makes "cents" to me. Why would I pay full price for something that I could buy gently used for half the price? Simple, I would not. My wallet supports my decision.
4. Provides Jobs for People Who Have Disabilities
Goodwill Industries International, Inc. prides itself on being a company that enhances the quality of life for individuals with specialized needs all across the United States and Canada. They provide employment for people of limited employ-ability such as low income youth, seniors, those with criminal backgrounds, and others with specialized needs. Their mission statement is “to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.”
5. Provides a Place for Socioeconomic Disadvantaged to Shop
With more than 3,000 stores across the country, the opportunity for those with limited resources to purchase clothing and other items at more affordable prices increases with a higher likelihood of there being a Goodwill near. Some might argue that if you have the resources to buy items new, you should not shop second-hand because you are limiting the goods that are available for someone less fortunate. However, I would argue that, by purchasing items from Goodwill—regardless of income—you are actually doing more good than harm. Your purchase would be helping the company continue to help others on a broader scale. Even if you are donating, you are actively participating in keeping Goodwill in business, thereby aiding their mission.
6. Always an Adventure
I know that every time I step through those doors, I have absolutely no idea what I will discover. There are days where I walk out with a whole bag of treasures and other days I find nothing that really floats my boat. In fact, some of my most favorite articles of clothing have come from Goodwill. But the reality is, I love Goodwill even though I know that I may or may not find a treasure every time I go because I am contributing to the bigger picture... the mission behind every Goodwill door.
All information regarding Goodwill Industries International, Inc. was found at www.goodwill.org .
