The Secondhand Industry and the Circular Economy
On the December 2024 episode of the Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid podcast, host Monica Johnson was joined by Lisa Jepsen, CEO of the global wholesale company, Garson & Shaw, for a compelling conversation about the secondhand clothing industry.
The episode centers on Garson & Shaw's report, Promoting the Circular Textile Industry: A Call to Strategic Action Policy in the Americas. You can read about the conversation highlights, or listen to the full podcast on platforms like Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or right here on the Planet Aid website.
The Heart of Garson & Shaw
Lisa begins by sharing the backstory of Garson & Shaw, which is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, but operates in over 46 countries worldwide. With 25 years of experience, the company plays a key role in the secondhand clothing market, selling around 700-800 loads of clothing monthly.
Lisa emphasizes the importance of reusing clothing before recycling, highlighting that many items can still serve a purpose and meet the needs of people in different parts of the world.
The Environmental Impact of Clothing Waste
Monica and Lisa dive into the environmental consequences of a throwaway culture, particularly in the United States. An astounding 10.4 billion wearable clothing items are thrown away each year, which translates to a staggering 4,000 truckloads of textiles ending up in landfills weekly. Lisa points out that a significant portion of this waste is generated by the younger generation influenced by fast fashion trends. She advocates for the circular economy, where items are reused, extending their life cycle and reducing carbon emissions.
Garson & Shaw's Circular Textile Industry Report
Later, the podcast shifts focus toward the pivotal report released by Garson & Shaw, which aims to educate the public and lawmakers about the benefits of the secondhand clothing industry. In promoting the sector, Lisa draws on the positive environmental implications and the economic benefits. The secondhand clothing industry supports job creation—estimates suggest it has generated 337,000 jobs in the U.S. in 2023 alone.
Lisa reiterates that transitioning to a circular economy is essential for sustainable development to challenge the status quo prevalent in today's wasteful practices.
A Global Perspective on Used Clothing
Lisa discusses the vital role of exporting clothing from developed nations to those in need in the Global South. The idea that what may be deemed unusable in the U.S. can have significant value in other countries is a crucial point in her message. She explains that only around 25% of collected clothing is sold in the U.S., while that figure can rise to 60% in other markets. This demonstrates how the cultural and economic contexts affect the perception and utility of secondhand items.
In this engaging episode, Lisa Jepsen sheds light on the pressing need for a sustainable approach to clothing consumption and waste. By rethinking our relationship with textiles, supporting circular economy initiatives, and recognizing the value of secondhand items—both environmentally and economically—we can foster a more sustainable future for our planet.
Tune in to the full episode to learn more about how Garson & Shaw is making an impact on a global scale and how you can contribute to sustainable practices in your own life. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to hear more discussions with sustainability leaders and projects, and innovations in future episodes of our monthly podcast.
