Caught Green-Handed: Lexington Goodwill Store

You may have noticed that Goodwill no longer gives you a single-use plastic bag with your purchase.  This recent policy change by Goodwill Industries of the Valleys has prompted Rockbridge Conservation to recognize the Lexington store for its many contributions to environmental sustainability with its Caught Green-Handed certification.

As of October 1 of last year, Goodwill shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bag, not use a bag, or purchase a reusable bag from the store.  These cost 99 cents apiece and can come with seasonable designs, such as an MLK themed bag for this month.  In addition to helping the non-profit organization cut costs, this policy will keep millions of plastic bags out of our local landfills.

This operational change is an extension of Goodwill’s long-held commitment to sustainability.  Over ten million tons of donated items are kept out of landfills in our region each year and given a second life.  Items that can’t be sold in the stores are often recycled, even hard to recycle items such as electronics and medical equipment.  Through a partnership with Dell, computers and other tech equipment are safely recycled.  Through the Freeform Foundation, used walkers, shower chairs, wheelchairs and other items are refurbished, certified, and donated to those in need.  When items are donated to the store in cardboard boxes, those boxes get recycled as well.  

Items that do not sell within four weeks at the Lexington store are sent to “Bin Stores” in Harrisonburg and Salem where they are sold by the pound.  Unsellable textile items are baled and sent to “aftermarket” locations, primarily overseas.  Some of these get donated to developing countries and some are recycled into other products.  The soles of shoes can even be turned into shingles appropriate for some climates.  

And more environmental initiatives are in the works.  Since many items are donated in plastic bags, Goodwill of the Valleys is creating a partnership with Trex Decking to recycle those bags starting this month.  They are also looking into the possibility of recycling unsold glassware and hard plastics, such as toys.  

Though Goodwill is known for its work in skills and job training, District Director Lisa Sexton says that, “Sustainability is a big part of our mission.”  For proving this in many ways, Rockbridge Conservation is happy to tell them they have been “Caught Green-Handed.”  

Photo caption: Annette Green (left) and Jamie Goodin (right) award Lisa Sexton (middle), Eastern District Manager for Goodwill.

Caught Green-Handed is a Rockbridge Conservation initiative that shines a spotlight on local businesses, organizations, and individuals who are taking meaningful steps to protect and improve our environment. Whether through sustainable practices, conservation leadership, or everyday actions that reduce environmental impact, honorees are publicly recognized for doing the right thing when no one was looking. Those selected earn the distinction of being Caught Green-Handed Certified—a mark of local environmental leadership and community stewardship.