Sweden's New Shopping Mall Takes Thrifting To A New Level

There’s a unique shopping mall in Sweden that’s taking thriftiness to a whole new level by offering repurposed, recycled, and sustainably or organically manufactured products throughout the entire space.

Located in Eskilstuna, just about one hour west of Stockholm, ReTuna Återbruksgalleria is the world’s first recycling mall, and it’s revolutionasing shopping in a way that is both smart and climate-friendly: instead of continuing to add to landfills, the mall gives old items a new lease on life through repairing and upcycling your castoffs.

Open since the summer of 2015, the mall is not just a space for selling; anyone can drop off their discards at the on-site recycling centre, where items are sorted into appropriate containers for repurposing. This includes things such as toys, furniture, clothing, and electronics. Staff then sorts through the items to gauge their viability and if they’re deemed acceptable they are then distributed to shops throughout the mall, where individual staff choose what they want to repair, convert, or refine – and then sell to mall customers. Old items are given new life and the planet deals with that much less waste.

There are plenty of events and workshops also happening

The entire scheme is the brainchild of the municipality-owned Eskilstuna Energi och Miljö (Eskilstuna Energy and Environment), with the stated goal of serving as an example and source of inspiration for customers and residents in the area, while creating sustainable benefits for society. This is entirely in keeping with Eskilstuna’s efforts to be a green role model – something this mall has pushed forward a great deal. In addition to creating new jobs for local residents, the entire concept has attracted attention from around the world. This is all in keeping with Sweden’s general commitment to sustainability, which is serving as an inspiration to people and businesses around the world.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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