As we head into Earth Day (April 22, 2025), we’re reflecting on what we can do as an organization to make the world a little greener. Did you know that each year, the U.S. throws away nearly 300 million tons of waste? According to the most recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency, that’s nearly five pounds per person per day.
At Habitat SKKC, we’re mindful of our impact on the environment as home builders. All our projects are 4-Star Built Green and built with efficiency in mind to help homeowners manage long-term costs. We orient many of our new projects around transit hubs to make public transportation an accessible option for our homeowners. We also advocate for the need for affordable housing that is built with climate change in mind knowing the disproportionate impact climate extremes can have on lower-income individuals and those living in urban areas.
One way we make a positive impact on the environment is via the retail wing of our organization. In 2024, our Habitat Stores (locations in Bellevue, Auburn, Southcenter, and Ellensburg) processed more than 14,000 donations, which led to the resale of more than 440,000 items. Most importantly, we diverted 3,000 tons of materials from local landfills. Store revenue also supports affordable homeownership programs, promotes sustainability, and provides affordable home products to the community—an environmental win-win!
“At Habitat Stores, sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s at the core of everything we do. By giving new life to donated items, we’re not only reducing landfill waste but also creating a cycle of reuse that benefits both the environment and our communities. Diverting more than 3,000 tons of materials from landfills in 2024 is a testament to the power of conscious retail. Every donation, every purchase, and every dollar generated helps us build affordable housing and promote a more sustainable future,” says Chief Retail Officer Cydnie Horwat.
Later this month, you can celebrate Earth Day all week long with huge savings at our Habitat Stores! Our biggest sale of the season coincides with Earth Day. From April 21-26 (April 22-26 in our Ellensburg Store), we’re celebrating Earth Day with 50% off on select product categories each day, including furniture, appliances, building materials, and more.
Adding to the festivities, you can join the fun at an in-store-only event: at the Golden House Scavenger Hunt, golden houses will be hidden throughout the store every day from April 21-23 (April 22-23 in Ellensburg), each containing a reward of $25, $50, or even $100 off your purchase.
Mark your calendars to score amazing deals while shopping sustainably and supporting a great cause! Learn more and shop online here.