Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale

Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale
esjro avatar reviewed on + 947 more book reviews


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.