Leo T. reviewed on 11/16/2019 + 1775 more book reviews

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.

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