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

Denmark has a thriving second-hand economy, in part because people generally don't look down on second-hand goods here.

The Danes are practical people – why should something be thrown out when it can be used again? And their passion for sustainability means it's cool to reuse something that already exists instead of manufacturing something new.

There is a network of "genbrug" (recycling) stations all over all over the country, where people can leave stuff they don't want and other people can take it for free.

And there's a thriving market for second-hand furniture in the classic Danish design style. 


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: 100

How to Live in Denmark
Podcast Episodes
Authenticity and the Danish Summer Light [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:22
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]

Duration: 9:16
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 Spontaneous 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…
Classic Danish Movies and TV as a Guide to Danish Culture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:09
Watching Danish movies and TV shows 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 films are available online for free. Whate…
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…