Use That Pile of Empty Amazon Boxes to Do Something Wonderful

If you're like me, you've crossed off all the names on your Christmas list with a little online shopping via Amazon. And now everything that was in your cart is probably well on its way to its final destination -- and you have your own pile of boxes from gifts you received. Well, don't throw them out just yet! This holiday season, Amazon is joining the Give Back Box program, which allows people to ship boxes filled with donated items to participating Goodwill locations -- for free.

This is the latest deed that the online retailer has done in its efforts to give back. After all, the company probably ships more cardboard boxes that any other.

And, in the spirit of the season, this is a great opportunity to put that box pile that's been sitting in the corner to good use and for a good cause.

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We love that that it's so easy to participate, too. Basically, you get a little and you give a little.

Talk about motivation to recycle! 

The only thing that you have to do to participate is to unpack that Amazon box that was shipped with all of your seasonal goodies.

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Pack the box with the things that you would like to donate, such as clothing and other household items that you may no longer need.

Then, simply print out a free USPS or UPS shipping label from the website. (Yes, Amazon is footing the bill.) From there, you can either drop the package off at your local post office or schedule a UPS pickup. 

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And your contributions will be sent to the nearest participating Goodwill. So if you're looking to close out the year on a positive note, consider giving back with Amazon or any of these other participating retailers you've received gifts from. It really doesn't cost a thing.