The Environmental Impact of Thrifting

World Environment Day, an annual event held on June 5, raises global awareness about environmental issues and encourages the public to engage in effective actions.

The Salvation Army believes that the earth is God’s creation and we should be good stewards of its care. One of the ways The Salvation Army strives to help the environment is by encouraging people to recycle.

“The Salvation Army in Canada has recycled through our thrift stores for over 111 years, showing care for the environment and our neighbours in need,” says Ted Troughton, managing director for Salvation Army thrift stores.

“Research says the average person throws away 37 kilograms of textiles annually.”

Research says the average person throws away 37 kilograms of textiles annually, 95 percent of which can be reused or recycled. Donating to The Salvation Army is one way to help the health of the environment. Of textiles donated to us, The Salvation Army estimates that less than 5 percent finds its way to a local landfill.

“Last year, Salvation Army thrift stores diverted over 82 million pounds of clothing, textiles and household items from local landfills.”

Last year, Salvation Army thrift stores diverted over 82 million pounds of clothing, textiles and household items from local landfills. In addition to textiles and clothing, over 7 million pounds of items such as books, purses, belts, shoes, toys, hats, metal, cardboard, pulp and electronics, were recycled.

Small donations can have a big impact on the environment and on peoples’ lives. When you support Salvation Army thrift stores with donations, or by shopping there, you not only help the planet, but the funds raised support our community programs, services and emergency relief efforts.

For more information, please visit thriftstore.ca.