Fantasy v. Reality

We Americans are notorious for making our unwanted stuff someone else's problem. Part of the reason has to do with our desire to be altruistic: We tell ourselves we're helping the less fortunate when we pass on our perfectly decent items. But the reality is much bleaker: Both our recently-decluttered donations and our down-and-dirty trash create problems for the people and places that get stuck with our stuff.   Here's a preview of what we're discussing today: [3:00] The literal mountain of clothes in West Africa [7:00] Swirling, soupy, and more than one: Here's what you likely didn't know about the Pacific trash vortex [14:00] Alabama's recent landfill fire [18:00] What's the reality re: America's plastic recyclables? [22:00] You - yes you! - can help. Here's how   -- Join our (free!) community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube. Email me and say hello! [email protected]. Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content