Want to buy more second-hand but not sure where to start? Friends of the Earth Malta has compiled a list of thrift, vintage, and charity shops where you can find used items and give them a second life! On our map, you will find shops selling various items from clothes, to books, to houseware items. Let us know in the form below if you find other shops not on this map!
We would like to particularly thank Tamsin Caruana for her assistance with this map.
Why buy second-hand?
The fashion industry is one of the world’s top polluters due to the sheer volume produced, as well as the quantity of water, chemicals and energy used. Globally about 85% of textile waste is not repurposed, and is either landfilled or incinerated.
According to the European Environment Agency, textile purchases in the EU in 2020 generated about 270 kg of CO2 emissions per person, and to make a single cotton t-shirt, 2,700 litres of fresh water are required. Polyester is made from oil and contributes significantly to the presence of microplastics in water bodies.
In Malta, according to the Malta National Statistics office, in 2023, 77 tonnes of textiles were recycled, though over 1425 tonnes of textile waste were generated, meaning solely 5.4% of textile waste was recycled. Any of Malta’s textiles that are not donated become landfilled waste. While the EU has directed that member nations collect textile waste separately, unfortunately, it does not mean that these textiles are being recycled.
Thrifting helps to reduce these impacts by keeping clothing out of landfills/incinerators for longer, thereby reducing the need for constantly using new resources to create new items.
> Find the map here <
Want to help us verify the shops on this map? Or found a different shop which is not on this map? Let us know!
The SUBLIME project is implemented in Malta by Msida LC and Kopin. This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of Friends of the Earth Malta and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.