Denmark's Big and Wonderful Second Hand Economy

Denmark's Big and Wonderful Second Hand Economy

Author: Kay Xander Mellish October 18, 2021 Duration: 7:13

Second hand shopping in Denmark is more than a way to save money. It is part of the country's commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. In Denmark, buying used is practical, socially accepted, and often the preferred choice.

The Danes believe that if something still has years of life left, there is no reason to throw it away. That attitude has created a thriving second hand economy where furniture, clothing, bicycles, children's toys, and household goods regularly find new owners instead of ending up as waste.

Across the country, you will find genbrug recycling stations where people leave unwanted items for others to take free of charge. There is also a lively market for second hand Danish design furniture, where you can often discover authentic classics at surprisingly reasonable prices.

In this episode of the How to Live in Denmark podcast, you'll learn why second hand shopping in Denmark is so popular, how the Danish circular economy works, and what it reveals about Danish values and everyday life.

If your organization would like a lively and entertaining introduction to Danish culture or Danish working culture, Kay Xander Mellish is available for keynote speeches, workshops, and presentations. Learn more at KXMGroup, and explore more episodes of the How to Live in Denmark podcast.


For anyone curious about or currently navigating Danish life from the outside, How to Live in Denmark serves as an essential, on-the-ground guide. Hosted by Kay Xander Mellish, an American writer who has made Denmark her home for over ten years, this conversation cuts straight to the heart of the everyday realities in one of the world's most homogenous-and often puzzling-societies. Rather than lengthy lectures, you'll find concise, ten-minute episodes packed with practical advice and cultural translation. This isn't just about travel tips; it's a deep dive into the unspoken rules of Danish social etiquette, the nuances of the local workplace, and the sometimes surprising path to feeling at home in a country frequently labeled the world's happiest. Mellish draws from her own long-term experience to explain everything from navigating the infamous Jantelov to understanding the Danish approach to business meetings and casual Friday night hygge. As Denmark's longest-running English-language podcast, it has become a trusted resource for internationals, whether they are planning a move, newly arrived, or have been settled for years but still occasionally find themselves wondering, "Why do Danes do it that way?" Each episode feels like a chat with a well-informed friend who helps decode the complexities of a fascinating culture, making your time there richer and a lot less confusing.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

How to Live in Denmark
Podcast Episodes
13 Quick Tips for Newcomers to Copenhagen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Copenhagen vs Berlin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Brok rhymes with clock, and it is a Danish word that describes the petty complaints that are common in one of the happiest countries in the world, and one of the richest. It's complaining as a social activity, usually ab…
Authenticity and the Danish Summer Light [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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These are the light times in Denmark. In May and June, it's light until 10 or 11 in the evening, and then the sun is back around 4am. It's a nice contrast to the dark times in winter, although all that light can make you…
My Awkward First Year in Denmark [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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One thing no one ever tells you about moving to a new country is the incredible awkwardness of it. As a newcomer, you are constantly doing or saying or planning the wrong thing, something that would be perfectly reasonab…
The Scheduled Dane: Why Friendship Needs a Calendar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:26
Danes usually don't do spontaneous. They do calendars. This episode looks at why a country that can count 8,000 ballots in three hours still needs two weeks' notice for almost everything else. From perfectly timed buses…
Vintage TV and movies as a guide to Danish culture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:09
Watching vintage TV and movies is a great way to survive the long Danish winter—and if you're learning Danish or trying to understand Danish culture, it's even better. Many classic Danish films and TV shows are available…
December: Little Nisse, Big Money: The Danish Year Part 12 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:04
The nisse is a centuries-old figure in Danish folklore, and every December these tiny, mischievous spirits take center stage. While Santa Claus makes one big appearance late in the month, the nisse are active the whole s…