Tag: clothing donations

Celebrate Earth Day the Ecofriendly Way

Posted on by Jordank

Friday, April 22, is Earth Day. Themed #InvestInOurPlanet for 2022, the 52nd day of action is designed to call attention to — and limit — environmental degradation and climate change for the protection of people and ecosystems worldwide.

In 1970, the first Earth Day inspired more than 20 million Americans to demonstrate against the environmental impact of industrialization. It led directly to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and landmark legislation such as the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.

Today, Earth Day is a global movement that encompasses more than 5,000 environmental groups in 193 countries; more than 1 billion people participate each year. And it’s easy to get involved at a personal or local level.

Consult Earthday.org for a map of observances throughout the world. Hundreds of events are planned for Earth Day weekend, including public rallies, in-person #cleanups and even virtual events. For example, New York City is hosting a Car-Free Earth Day.

Earth Day events are just the beginning, though. You can also protect the environment by lessening your own environmental impact on a daily basis. First, commit to reduce, reuse and recycle, Chiff says, and choose products and services based on their environmental impact.

You might spearhead a neighborhood #cleanup of discarded trash — not only will it protect wildlife, it will also beautify your surroundings. You can perform a household energy audit to save cut usage (and maybe #save a substantial amount of money).

Composting, solar power and electric cars are next-level ideas that cut greenhouse gases and often result in substantial savings. And of course, you can keep more manufactured #junk out of landfills by periodically #decluttering and contacting ClothingDonations.org for a free #donation #pickup.

It’s easy to celebrate Earth Day. But to have a real impact, make the commitment to cut your own environmental impact every day — and urge your neighbors and the companies you patronize to do the same.

Donate as You Spring-Clean

Posted on by Jordank

If you’re feeling more energetic and optimistic lately, it’s likely a physical response to the expanded daylight hours and warmer weather that has come to be known as spring fever. Embrace it, says Lakeview Regional Medical Center, and expand upon those good feelings. Open the windows, plant a garden, leave work early, exercise or go for a hike outdoors, and get together with your friends without screens in-between. Or use that spring fever to do some #spring #cleaning — and #donate any extra #stuff you don’t need to ClothingDonations.org. #SpringFever

Make the Most of a Spring Break

Posted on by Jordank

With school spring breaks and Easter celebrations, many students will have a full week off this month to spend with their families or take a trip. That kind of down time is rare to get, so if you have (or can take) the week off together, make the most of it.

There are plenty of options for a cost-effective trip for the entire family, Family Destinations says, from spring skiing in Colorado and Upstate New York to soaking up the sun in Puerto Rico, Cancun or Jamaica.

Thriftier still — but just as fun — are road trips and camping trips. Whether you want to sleep under the stars or see the city lights, there’s likely an option within a day’s drive of home. Try Roadtrippers and other apps to plan your adventure.

The thriftiest and safest option, of course, is the staycation. While it might be a letdown for kids with wanderlust, you can make it special by planning leisure activities that you don’t normally make time for on school days.

Hikes, scavenger hunts, museum visits and art projects are all fair game. Or visit the library, camp out in the backyard or make your own film festival, National Heritage Academies suggests.

Another good idea is to spend a day or two #decluttering and #cleaning up your house in order to get it ready for the busy summer season. Chances are that there’s a lot of #stuff that needs to find a new home, not to mention some dirt and grime from the winter.

Sort through that stuff, and #donate whatever you don’t want to ClothingDonations.org. Challenge your kids to sort through, #organize and #declutter their possessions, too; there may be any number of school outfits that no longer fit or toys that get ignored.

Then, reward them (and/or yourself) with a special #spring-break outing! You’ll come home to a #cleaner, more #clutter-free place.

Celebrating National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Posted on by Jordank

Next Tuesday, March 29, is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Why March 29? Because on March 29, 1973, Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) was disbanded and the last U.S. combat troops departed the Republic of Vietnam.

Vietnam veterans first got their own holiday the following year — even before the fall of Saigon in 1975 — thanks to President Richard Nixon, who declared March 29 Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. But not until 2012 did the push for a national observance get underway.

That year, President Obama issued a proclamation calling upon all Americans to observe March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day with programs, ceremonies and other activities that commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

“One of the most painful chapters in our history was Vietnam — particularly how we treated our troops who served there,” President Obama said in his remarks. “You were often blamed for a war you didn’t start, when you should have been commended for serving your country with valor.”

In 2017, National Vietnam War Veterans Day was established as an official observance. Now in its fifth year, National Vietnam War Veterans Day is the occasion for hundreds of celebrations and events nationwide — all held to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

More than 3.2 million people served between Nov. 1, 1955 and May 15, 1975. But those numbers are dwindling: More than 500 Vietnam veterans pass every day, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. So the time to thank them is now.

Take some time out in the next couple weeks to observe National Vietnam War Veterans Day by visiting a veterans memorial or attending a commemorative event; thanking a Vietnam veteran personally with a call, card or visit; or volunteering your time with a veterans organization.

You can also donate your used clothing and household goods to ClothingDoanations.org year-round to fund programs that help honor those who served by staging commemorative events and offering direct assistance when needed. The nation’s veterans thank you for your support!

Build a Capsule Wardrobe to Reduce Closet Clutter

Posted on by Jordank

One strategy to add to the #KonMari #organizing toolkit is the capsule wardrobe, says Classy Glam Living. The concept is to build a foundational wardrobe for each season out of just a few essential, high-quality items that you love — those that “spark joy” — and build upon it with accent colors and textures. Once you decide which garments make up your capsule wardrobe, can get rid of almost everything else — #streamlining your style, #decluttering your #closets and even making it simpler to get dressed for the day. Bonus: You can always #donate the many #castoffs to ClothingDonations.org.