This Shopping Centre was set up in 2015 in Sweden, and the BBC news item you can access at the end of this Blog is from 2019, but is still very interesting.
Sweden is known for its commitment to sustainability and recycling, and the ReTuna shopping mall is evidence of that. Located in the city of Eskilstuna, the mall is the world’s first shopping centre that only sells recycled, upcycled and repaired goods. It was originally set up by the local council’s recycling department, and it collaborates with the recycling centre next door, saving items from landfill every week.
The ReTuna shopping mall is like an ‘ordinary’ mall; fresh, clean, and spacious, but it only sells second-hand items. From the outside it looks very similar to the Emmaus drop off place in Cahors (for those who know it). The shops in the mall only sell items that have been used before, and they are from a wide range – clothing, furniture, toys and many more. They are either recycled, reused or have been produced organically or sustainably.
The mall has a total of fourteen shops that sell everything from clothing to furniture. One of the shops is dedicated to repairing and upcycling old furniture. Another shop sells second-hand books and records, and there is also a café that serves organic food made from locally sourced ingredients.
The ReTuna shopping mall is not just a place to shop; it’s also an educational centre that offers workshops on topics such as upcycling and repairing items. Visitors can learn how to repair their clothes or make their own soap. The mall also has an exhibition space where visitors can learn about recycling and sustainability.
The ReTuna shopping mall is an excellent example of how we can reduce waste and promote sustainability. It shows that we can create a circular economy where waste is minimised and resources are used efficiently. By buying second-hand items, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help protect the environment.
Watch the BBC Video here
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