(Above) A worker at the Salvation Army's Thrift Store, National Recycling Operations

Although April 22, 2020, is globally recognized as Earth Day, The Salvation Army Thrift Store treats every day like Earth Day through retail and recycling. The sentiment of environmental stewardship is so deeply embedded in the organization’s work that it is reflected in the name: The Salvation Army Thrift Store, National Recycling Operations (NRO).

The concept of environmental sustainability is woven throughout the entire lifecycle of clothing and household items at The Salvation Army Thrift Store, NRO. Donating and shopping thrift are both acts of reuse and recycling that keep usable items out of landfill and offer them another chance at life. Donations not sold in store or given to those in need through Salvation Army social service voucher programs are then given another opportunity to be recycled through ethical recycling partners.

“NRO diverted over 37 million kilograms from local landfills last fiscal year.”

According to Fashion Takes Action, each household in Canada throws away 46 kilograms of clothing per year, with around 8-12% of municipal landfills made up of textiles. Through 107 Thrift Stores and 11 Distribution and Recycling Centres across the country, NRO diverted over 37 million kilograms from local landfills last fiscal year. With the help of Guests and Donors across the country, The Salvation Army Thrift Store is helping create a greener Canada to be enjoyed by all for generations to come.

As we are urged to stay home in this time of uncertainty, you can contribute to your community and the environment by holding on to any donations of clothing and household items that you no longer want or need and bringing them to your local Donor Welcome Centre when we can safely reopen. Doing so will help care for neighbours in need, as well as the planet we all call home. We’re all in this together.

For more information on Salvation Army thrift stores, visit thriftstore.ca