Ep 132 | Where does all the stuff go? with Secondhand author Adam Minter

Published: May 12, 2020, 4:45 a.m.

b'

Downsizing. Decluttering. Discarding. After you\\u2019ve decided what sparks joy and donated the things that don\\u2019t serve you - what happens to all the stuff after it\\u2019s been KonMari\\u2019d?

\\n\\n

Guest Adam Minter is a columnist and author based in Malaysia. For nearly two decades, his journalism has focused on waste, recycling, stuff - and the hidden global world that it inhabits. His first book, \'Junkyard Planet,\' was a best-selling dive into the recycling bin. His new book, \'Secondhand\' is a global journey into what happens to our stuff after we no longer want it.

\\n\\n

We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click \\u201cAsk Spark Joy\\u201d to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week\\u2019s show.

\\n\\n

While you\\u2019re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast.

\\n\\n

Book a custom Virtual Tidying Experience with For the Love of Tidy

\\n\\n

Join The Spark Joy Club today!

\\n\\n

In this episode, you\\u2019ll enjoy:

\\n\\n
    \\n
  • The personal experience that sparked Adam\'s interest in figuring out what happens to the things when they go through the donation door that spanned 12 countries

  • \\n
  • The number of items that on average thrift store sells off the shelves

  • \\n
  • The items that are highest and lowest demand and most exported for second use

  • \\n
  • Why used clothing traders prefer Canadian clothing

  • \\n
  • What to do with antiquated media formats and electronics

  • \\n
  • How Goodwill employees sort and price items based on the quality of the goods

  • \\n
  • What happens to undergarments and socks

  • \\n
  • Three unexpected items that Goodwill turns away

  • \\n
  • The storage locker industry and the true cost of rentals

  • \\n
  • The impact of Adam\'s research on his family

  • \\n
\\n\\n

Adam\'s favorite productivity tip:
\\n"Buy better. Buy more durable."

\\n\\n

What sparks joy for Adam:
\\n"My son."

\\n\\n

Gems:
\\n"If you\'re a thrift store the last thing you want to do is toss something into a landfill or an incinerator"
\\n"Some of us are spending more money to store our stuff than to store ourselves."
\\n"There is more storage locker space in the U.S. alone than the square footage of Palm Springs, California. "
\\n"Buy better. Buy more durable."

\\n\\n

You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
\\nYou can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy

Special Guest: Adam Minter.

'