In today’s world, fast fashion, single use plastics, and shorter-lived appliances are more common, creating more waste and putting added pressure on natural resources, which amplifies the vital role Goodwill plays in extending the life of goods.

For over 100 years, Goodwill has been at the forefront of the “reduce, reuse, recycle” movement. Locally, Goodwill Manasota has its eye on the ultimate goal of zero waste, through its donated goods/retail operations and partnerships with salvage and recycling companies. In 2025, the nonprofit’s efforts resulted in achieving a new milestone: 104.4 million total pounds of items – including textiles, computers and components, books, glass, furniture, electrical items, plastics and metal – were given a second life through Goodwill’s operations. 

Most of the items Goodwill is able to keep in circulation come from the generous donations of the community – clothing, furniture, books, artwork, electronics, housewares, and more – which are given a second life in through the retail stores.

The organization powers its mission of “Changing Lives Through the Power of Work” through its mission-integrated donated goods operations. Every donation dropped off at Goodwill fuels more than three hours of job training and opportunities, directly helping the nonprofit’s team members – nearly 60 percent of whom have self-identified barriers to employment or disabling conditions – to build job skills.

“What makes this environmental milestone so special for Goodwill is not just that we are helping to protect the planet, we are also supporting our mission of changing lives through the power of work," said Donn Githens, president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota. "By donating, community members enable us to create job opportunities and help our neighbors build brighter futures."

Githens also leads by example with environmental stewardship at the statewide level: he was recently elected to a second term as Chair of the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation, an organization whose mission is to educate policy makers, business leaders and the public on the benefits of recycling.      

Goodwill encourages people to reduce their clutter by donating items at a convenient Goodwill location; to reuse items donated by others by shopping at Goodwill (which also saves money); and recycling items rather than simply throwing them away. Data available through the EPA indicates that, although 75 percent of the waste stream in the U.S. is recyclable, the actual recycling rate hovers around only 32 percent. 

Goodwill Manasota’s 2025 Impact Report noted the following additional achievements: 7,527 individuals served; 44,538 education and training hours provided; 1,296 individuals placed in jobs; 478 veterans served; more than $70,000 in emergency assistance provided; and 250,592 pounds of food collected for local food banks.

For more about Goodwill Manasota’s programs and services, and a listing of store locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org.

About Goodwill Manasota

Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc. (comprised of Goodwill Manasota and Goodwill Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast) is a leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to changing lives through the power of work and proudly serves 11 counties on the east and west coasts of Florida. Goodwill’s mission-integrated social enterprise transforms community donations into opportunities — providing resources, training, and support through strong collaboration with local partners to help individuals obtain employment and build skills. For more information or for a comprehensive listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.