Setting Our Sights on Sustainability
By Donn Githens
As Earth Day approaches, it offers a timely opportunity to pause and reflect—on our daily choices, our shared responsibility, and the legacy we want to leave for future generations. Living and working in Florida, a state shaped by its natural beauty and increasingly impacted by extreme weather, reminds us just how important it is to be thoughtful stewards of our environment.
Across the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 75 percent of the waste stream is recyclable. Yet, the reality is that only about one-third of those materials are currently recycled. Here in Florida, the state’s recycling rate is about 43 percent. That tells us two things: first, that progress is being made—and second, that there is still meaningful opportunity to do more.
Throughout an over 20-year career with the Goodwill Industries network and my service as a volunteer leader with the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation, sustainability—especially recycling and reuse—has remained a personal and professional priority.
Goodwill has long been known as the original recycler. For more than a century, our mission has centered on extending the life of donated goods while creating opportunities for people. Locally, our team at Goodwill Industries–Manasota, Inc.—which includes Goodwill Manasota and Goodwill of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast—continues to work toward an ambitious goal of zero waste by maximizing reuse, resale, salvage, and responsible recycling through strong community and industry partnerships.
In 2025, those efforts reached an important milestone. More than 104 million pounds of donated items—including clothing, computers, books, furniture, and household goods—were given a second life through Goodwill’s operations. Every item reused or recycled represents both an environmental win and an opportunity to support our mission.
That’s because revenue from donated goods directly funds employment and training services for veterans, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and people facing other barriers to employment. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support of our shoppers, we are able to change lives through the power of work—while also caring for the planet we all share.
In addition, I am honored to serve in my second term as chair of the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation. The Foundation works to educate policymakers, business leaders, and the public on the value of recycling and sustainable business practices that reduce waste and keep materials in use longer. These efforts are about smart solutions that benefit our communities today and preserve resources for generations to come.
There is no denying that modern consumption—from fast fashion to single-use products—has increased the volume of waste we generate. But the good news is that each of us can make a difference through everyday choices: shopping secondhand; donating gently used goods; reducing food waste; and taking the extra step to recycle materials properly.
This Earth Day, it’s important to remember that sustainability isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. Small actions, taken consistently and collectively, truly add up.
If you’re ready to take part, donating to Goodwill is a simple way to support both people and the planet. To find a convenient donation location, visit experiencegoodwill.org. To learn more about the importance of recycling in Florida, visit flrecycling.org.
Happy Earth Day.
Donn Githens is chair of the Florida Recycling Partnership and president & CEO of Goodwill Industries–Manasota, Inc.
