FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- With National Get Organized Month underway, Goodwill Southwest Florida (SWFL) is encouraging residents to clean out their closets with purpose. By donating gently used clothing and textiles locally, Southwest Floridians can directly support job training, employment services, and community programs that change lives right here at home.

A seasonal closet clean‑out is something most people already do, yet what happens to the clothing we no longer want has a much larger impact than many realize. Americans generate approximately 100 pounds of textile waste per person every year, contributing to a growing environmental and community challenge. The average American now buys 53 new pieces of clothing annually, dramatically increasing the volume of garments entering the waste stream.

Every time a usable piece of clothing ends up in a landfill, the energy, water, and materials used to make it are wasted too. By donating locally, your unwanted items stay in Southwest Florida to fuel programs that help neighbors gain independence through work.

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Fashion Waste Takes a Heavy Toll

The fashion industry generates 8–10% of global carbon emissions, more than international aviation and shipping combined. As fast‑fashion production accelerates, textile‑related emissions could reach 2.7 billion metric tons per year by 2030. Much of this clothing is never worn or doesn't reach consumers at all, as research shows 10–40% of clothing produced is never sold.  And, more than half of today's apparel is made from plastic‑based fibers, meaning discarded garments break down into microplastics that pollute water, soil, and air.

Your Closet Clean‑Out Can Strengthen the Community

Donating to Goodwill SWFL ensures your contributions stay local. Many national donation centers ship excess items away or send garments to be sorted overseas, but Goodwill Southwest Florida uses donations to:

• Fund job training and employment services for individuals with barriers to employment
• Support local Microenterprise and small-business development
• Provide community-based programs that improve independence and economic mobility
• Provide daily life-skill training for adults with intellectual and development disabilities

"When you donate to Goodwill Southwest Florida, you're not just decluttering, you're giving your neighbors the chance to build skills, find employment, and support their families," the organization noted. "Your old sweater or pair of jeans can become community support."

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Donate Responsibly This Month

Not all donations make a positive impact, but donating locally helps ensure they do. Residents are encouraged to check Goodwill SWFL's donation guidelines to confirm what items can be accepted and put to good use.

Donation guidelines are available at: https://goodwillswfl.org/donate-items/.