History Extra podcast
Medieval make do and mend
Nov 14, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Annette Kehnel, an expert in medieval innovations and author of 'The Green Ages: Medieval Innovations in Sustainability', dives into the fascinating world of medieval sustainability. She explores how waste was virtually nonexistent, with secondhand markets thriving. Discover the dynamic between new goods and the repair market, and how resourcefulness shaped community cohesion. Kehnel also reflects on what our ancestors might think of today’s environmental challenges, urging us to innovate and collaborate for a sustainable future.
28:42
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Medieval society prioritized recycling and mending, establishing a thriving repair economy that stands in stark contrast to today's disposable culture.
- The reuse of materials, such as Roman spolia in construction, highlights innovative approaches to resource scarcity that inform modern sustainability practices.
Deep dives
Sustainability Lessons from Medieval Society
The concept of waste is relatively modern, with its definition not appearing in European dictionaries until the 20th century, emphasizing how our ancestors approached sustainability differently. During the medieval period, recycling and repairing items were integral aspects of daily life, with a variety of professions dedicated to these practices. Historical insights reveal that many people earned their livelihoods by mending clothing, furniture, and tools, showcasing a vibrant repair economy which contrasts sharply with today’s disposable culture. The author argues that to address current environmental challenges, it's vital to adopt a mindset that incorporates the resourcefulness of past societies, rather than aiming to return to them.
