image Retuna
I've long been an advocate of anything that can be recycled or re-loved. So when I came across a facebook post of a friend showing the amazing Retuna Recycling Shopping Mall in Sweden, I had to take a closer look.
Opened in 2015 it is truly a shopping mall with a difference. Dedicated entirely to recycled goods, it is a inspired concept. The residents of Eskilstuna take along unwanted items, furniture, clothes, plants, broken bicycles, basically anything that can be re-used, fixed and recycled. The items are then sorted by the staff and passed on to the store owners in the mall who repair or upcycle to be sold on in their shops.
A purpose built under cover drive through depot allows people to drop off their unwanted items. Particularly important in a place like Sweden when its snowing !
The entrance to the mall. Bright, light and airy. Not your average looking recycling centre.
Ecoflor is a flower shop with a difference. All plants are from environmentally certified crops and they also sell a wide range of recycled pots and accessories.
Stockholm City Mission. their aim is to contribute to a sustainable society where all things are reused and used to create opportunities for people to grow through job training, internship and full time jobs. Anything left over or unsold from the business is put towards supporting charity work in the city. They sells pretty much everything. The perfect place to pick up a bargain and support a great cause.
In addition to the shops, the Retuna Recycling Gallery is also home to a cafe, workshops, festivals, theme days and lectures - all focusing on sustainability.
For me, this would be my perfect job. I would love to be able to set something like this up in Exeter. A bright, light, clean space selling innovative and quality recycled goods.
ahh well, in another life.
