In this episode of Garmology, Nick is joined by investigative journalist and author Tansy Hoskins to discuss her fascinating new book, Charity Shop World. What begins as a conversation about Britain’s beloved charity shops quickly becomes a deep exploration of clothing consumption, waste, fast fashion, global trade, community, charity, and the hidden journeys our unwanted clothes take after we drop them into a donation bag.
Tansy shares how a chance conversation in a charity shop during the cost-of-living crisis sparked the idea for the book and how volunteering in a charity shop for over a year transformed her understanding of fashion’s waste stream. From muddy hiking boots and unwanted Christmas jumpers to enormous clothing exports, charity shop volunteers, textile waste in Ghana, and the surprising history of second-hand clothing, this is a wide-ranging and often eye-opening conversation.
Although the book doesn’t shy away from difficult truths, it’s also a celebration of community, generosity, repair, reuse, and the extraordinary people who keep charity shops running. Thoughtful, entertaining, and surprisingly hopeful, this episode may permanently change how you think about donating clothes.
Garmology is by Nick Johannessen. There is no advertising or sponsorship, but you are welcome to support the podcast via my Patreon at patreon.com/garmology or you can buymeacoffee.com/garmology
Nick Johannessen is also the editor of the WellDressedDad blog and WellDressedDad on Instagram. You can email Nick as Garmology (at) WellDressedDad.com.
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