Laura P. (hemmputnam) reviewed Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale on + 1152 more book reviews
Nonfiction at its best! Not only was there a compelling description of what happens to all that stuff you donate, but there were well explained recommendations about how to improve current systems. I will be thinking about the total cost of ownership (can you repair it, will it have resale value) rather than the first cost (what the pricetag says) from now on. It's encouraging to learn that there are people out there working to make reuse a viable option from the iFixit website to TV repairmen in Africa.
Elizabeth R. (esjro) -
In Secondhand, author Adam Minter sets out to investigate where America's donated, recycled and abandoned stuff (clothing, books, electronics, etc.) ends up. Though some items are resold or recycled domestically, much of it winds up south of the border or even on other continents, where developing countries are willing to repair or repurpose American's junk.
Secondhand is a quick read, and surprisingly light... maybe too light. The author is very optimistic. My only criticism of this book is that it seems to downplay or at least not give enough attention to the environmental impact of consumer culture.
Secondhand is a quick read, and surprisingly light... maybe too light. The author is very optimistic. My only criticism of this book is that it seems to downplay or at least not give enough attention to the environmental impact of consumer culture.
The authors has researched these matters before and flogged his new book on Marketplace radio, 11/14/2019. He traces the bales of goods not sold in the U.S. after being donated to other countries. (In recent decades, I have found that The Salvation Army stores, 'Good Willy,' etc. ask too much rather than better serve the unclothed. It is fine to separate out fashionable items...)
I obtained a copy from the County Library and enjoyed it. The author begins with the Tucson Goodwill Industries operations and follows the goods south of the border. Later he visits a locale in Ontario and one in New York and follows the goods to Africa and India. Mr. Minter shares his insights into this industry that is hard to report on; there is a lack of statistics. It is business oriented and his point is that there is a market for durable (well made) clothing, electronics, etc. abroad--we are not dumping electronic trash there, these people are not stupid. Thousands of people make a living repairing stuff and millions enjoy the use of such items. Considering the volume of waste generated by modern economies, he finds the problem to be poorly made things that are not or cannot be repaired.
Early chapters of the books include the rising occupation of folks that offer the service of clearing out homes. The postwar age saw an awful lot of stuff bought and old stuff left in the basement, etc. This is especially interesting in Japan with its declining population.
It is surprising what things are of no value. Or maybe not, there is no market for bowling balls.
The index is weak. He does credit all the people he spoke with, including many sorters and traders.
I obtained a copy from the County Library and enjoyed it. The author begins with the Tucson Goodwill Industries operations and follows the goods south of the border. Later he visits a locale in Ontario and one in New York and follows the goods to Africa and India. Mr. Minter shares his insights into this industry that is hard to report on; there is a lack of statistics. It is business oriented and his point is that there is a market for durable (well made) clothing, electronics, etc. abroad--we are not dumping electronic trash there, these people are not stupid. Thousands of people make a living repairing stuff and millions enjoy the use of such items. Considering the volume of waste generated by modern economies, he finds the problem to be poorly made things that are not or cannot be repaired.
Early chapters of the books include the rising occupation of folks that offer the service of clearing out homes. The postwar age saw an awful lot of stuff bought and old stuff left in the basement, etc. This is especially interesting in Japan with its declining population.
It is surprising what things are of no value. Or maybe not, there is no market for bowling balls.
The index is weak. He does credit all the people he spoke with, including many sorters and traders.
