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
The Bridges of Denmark [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Ballad of the Danish Royal Teenagers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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It's springtime, and the cherry trees are about to bloom in Copenhagen Northwest, which is usually the only time people who live outside Northwest bother to go there. Northwest is a working class neighborhood, so much so…
The Secret Strategy for Practicing Spoken Danish [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Newcomers to Denmark often complain that the locals aren't chatty. Danes don't want to converse on the bus, or on the train, or in line at the supermarket, or really anyplace that isn't a designated social zone. Like the…
Queen Margrethe, Denmark's good-humored, much-loved monarch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:00
No matter how they feel about the institution of royalty, almost everyone likes Denmark's Queen Margrethe, who is celebrating 50 years on the throne this week. Every New Year's Eve, the streets of Denmark go quiet as the…
The Non-Drinkers' Guide to Danish Christmas parties [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:03
Drinking, and drinking heavily, is common in Denmark at holiday time. Whether it's the traditional "gløgg" - hot spiced wine with nuts, orange peel and a little brandy - or the specially-made (and specially-strong) Chris…
On the Road: The Tunnel to Germany [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:54
Getting to Sweden from Copenhagen is easy: you take a quick trip across the Øresund Bridge in your car or on the train. Getting to Norway from Copenhagen isn't too hard: there's a ferry that runs every day from Nordhavn.…