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.
You can find more information about Tansy's work on the web at tansyhoskins.org and on Instagram as @tansyhoskins
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.
Garmology theme music by Fabian Stordalen.