Creating a circular closet

Thrift shopping and buying pre-owned clothing have become a global phenomenon, especially with online re-selling alongside brick-and-mortar thrift stores, which enhance consumer accessibility and convenience. Social media influencers and eco-fashion advocates are increasingly showcasing their thrifted gems and unique pieces, endorsing the concept of thrifting, and giving it ever more credibility.

Shopping of pre-owned garments lengthens the life cycle of products and enhances the concept of reuse - two major components of a circular economy.

In a society that is drowning in excess consumerism, wherein closets are crammed with fast fashion pieces and the ‘take-make-dispose’ mentality is ingrained within our system, sustainability has become a crucial factor to consider within the fashion industry. With rising climate conditions and environmental degradation, it has now become ever more critical to embrace the benefits reaped from circular fashion, propelling a sustainable shift in the industry.

Thrifting can be considered a conscious fight against over-consumption. Besides the obvious environmental advantages tied with keeping clothing in circulation as an alternative to purchasing new fast fashion clothes, such as reducing the generation of textile waste and mitigating the dire impacts of landfill waste, sustainable fashion leads to fewer resource consumption at source. When buying pre-owned, the direct support for the demand of newly created garments is mitigated, minimising the resources and energy required. Hence, thrifting is also associated with the reduction of chemical pollution. These include among others, pesticides, burning fuel in the vehicles that haul the items, toxic chemicals, and carbon emissions.

What we buy and how we buy it, often reveals something about our values.

Alongside the detrimental eco-effects of fast fashion, fast fashion is infamously tied with inhumane working conditions. Thrifting ethically requires more mindful consumption and discipline. When done right, thrifting is a lifestyle that generates the least possible environmental and social costs and has emerged as an antidote for rampant consumerism and materialistic consumption. In addition to the social ethical value that underlies thrift shopping, certain local stores further accentuate the moral value inherent to buying pre-owned by donating a fraction of the generated costs to animal welfare with every individual purchase,

Clothes shopping has never felt so guilt free!

Thrifting is unequivocally linked to individuality and uniqueness of style. Gone are the days where shopping of pre-owned clothing was associated merely with being frugal and not breaking the bank. Nowadays, finding rare, stunning vintage pieces which resonate a trendy, individualistic identity has become, quite literally, priceless. Thrifting is a source of inspiration for those fashionistas on the hunt for statement pieces, accessories, or interesting patterns that can add flair to their wardrobe. Young consumers nowadays tend to prefer purchasing pre-owned clothing for multiple reasons, starting from economic instability, environmental reasons, as well as the fun and authentic nature of hunting for vintage pieces, which for youngsters may be deemed as a rewarding experience.  

Looking at the local scenario, , the concept of reuse, specifically clothing garments, has become increasingly popular. Whilst the large number of clothes hailing from fast-fashion brands is inevitably a growing concern in Malta, customs are becoming gradually more aware of the ugly side of overconsumption. This is especially so among the younger generation, who do not shy away from sharing their thrifting adventures on social media platforms especially when coming across hidden thrift gems. In fact, there are also Maltese content creators with specific content focused on sustainable fashion. It is also a fact that youngsters are ever more aware and appreciative of the social significance of charity shops for those less fortunate. What may be considered insignificant and frugal for someone, may be quintessential and vital for someone else.

Circular Economy Malta - logo

Circular Economy Malta fully supports the likes of

• MSPCA Charity Shops
• YMCA Charity & Vintage Shop
• Vogue Xchange
• Cherrystone
• St. Paul’s Bay Charity Shop
• Hugs Charity
• Happy Paws
• Inspire Charity Shops
• PAWS Charity Shops
• 2nd Chance Malta
• Thrift Malta
• Thrift in the City

Recently the Archdiocese of Malta inaugurated its first thrift shop in Valletta, whose aim is to raise environmental awareness, whilst serving as a means of solidarity with fellow citizens, a result of Maltese people’s generosity. There are also local economic operators who host thrift events throughout the year, where people get the opportunity to sell pre-owned clothes and accessories for charitable causes. Local brands sometimes collaborate during these events as well. In keeping with the local scenario, social media groups are also a good platform for thrifting, where the objective of such groups is to exchange, buy, and sell pre-loved items and create a sense of thrifting-community. During the past years, Malta has also been an active participant in Fashion Revolution Week, a global movement of Fashion whose mission is to educate and engage consumers all over the world about the social & environmental impacts caused by the fashion industry at large and how consumer choices could enable change on a larger scale.

With a hunger for sustainability and individuality, attaining high quality, timeless pre-owned goods at a lower price has never been so fashionable. Circular Economy Malta, the national Agency responsible for circular economy under the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, aspires to continue paving the way towards less linear, and more sustainable trends, cultivating a truly, circular economy.