Episode Details

While Amanda takes a few weeks off to go to Japan, do a bunch of research and reading, work on outreach for future guests, and just generally get inspired and rested, let's revisit some of the favorite episodes of the Clotheshorse community.

Throwaway culture may not seem to affect you personally (spoiler: it actually is), but the rapid cycle of shop/wear a few times/donate is having a massive negative impact on humans, animals, and the planet...it’s just happening out of our line of sight. In part one of a three part series, Liz Ricketts of the OR Foundation breaks down the repercussions of our overconsumption on Ghana, its people, and our entire planet.

About 15 million secondhand garments from the Global North arrive in Accra, Ghana each week. These bales of "dead white man's clothes" represent a massive industry with incredibly negative economic and environmental impact. Liz will describe a typical day in Kantamanto (the secondhand clothing market). She'll explain why resellers often say a prayer before opening a bale, and what happens to the 40% of these clothes that are simply not sellable.

Please follow the OR Foundation on IG @theorispresent

Extra Credit Reading
"This is not your goldmine. This is our mess," Liz Ricketts, High Snobiety.
"Dead White Man's Clothes," Liz Ricketts, Atmos.

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording:  amanda@clotheshorse.world

Check out Amanda's other podcast, The Department.

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts.  Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one's closet for generations to come.  Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint.

Salt Hats:  purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen. Get ready for rainbows with a side of Giving A Damn! Republica Unicornia is all about making your own magic using small-batch, responsibly sourced, hand-dyed yarns and thoughtfully made notions. Slow fashion all the way down and discover the joy of creating your very own beautiful hand knit, crocheted, or woven pieces. Find us on Instagram @republica_unicornia_yarns and at www.republicaunicornia.com.

Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to providing quality vintage and secondhand clothing, vinyl, and home items in a wide range of styles and