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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 FEBRUARY 2025 6 COMMERCIAL Creating a circular closet THRIFT shopping and buy- ing pre-owned clothing have become a global phenomenon, especially with online re-sell- ing alongside brick-and-mortar thrift stores, which enhance consumer accessibility and con- venience. Social media influenc- ers 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 gar- ments lengthens the life cycle of products and enhances the con- cept of reuse - two major com- ponents 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 in- grained within our system, sus- tainability has become a crucial factor to consider within the fashion industry. With rising climate conditions and envi- ronmental degradation, it has now become ever more critical to embrace the benefits reaped from circular fashion, propelling a sustainable shift in the indus- try. Thrifting can be consid- ered a conscious fight against over-consumption. Besides the obvious environmental advan- tages tied with keeping clothing in circulation as an alternative to purchasing new fast fash- ion 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, thrift- ing is also associated with the reduction of chemical pollution. These include among others, pesticides, burning fuel in the vehicles that haul the items, tox- ic chemicals, and carbon emis- sions. 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 gener- ates the least possible environ- mental and social costs and has emerged as an antidote for ram- pant consumerism and materi- alistic consumption. In addition to the social ethical value that underlies thrift shopping, cer- tain local stores further accentu- ate the moral value inherent to buying pre-owned by donating a fraction of the generated costs to animal welfare with every in- dividual purchase, Clothes shopping has never felt so guilt free! Thrifting is unequivocal- ly 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 be- come, quite literally, priceless. Thrifting is a source of inspira- tion for those fashionistas on the hunt for statement pieces, ac- cessories, or interesting patterns that can add flair to their ward- robe. Young consumers nowa- days tend to prefer purchasing pre-owned clothing for multiple reasons, starting from econom- ic instability, environmental reasons, as well as the fun and authentic nature of hunting for vintage pieces, which for young- sters may be deemed as a re- warding 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 in- evitably 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 adven- tures 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 insig- nificant and frugal for someone, may be quintessential and vital for someone else. 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 aware- ness, 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 t h r o u g h o u t the year, where peo- ple get the o p p o r t u n i t y to sell pre- owned clothes and accessories for charitable causes. Local brands sometimes collaborate during these events as well. In keeping with the local scenar- io, 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 & envi- ronmental impacts caused by the fashion industry at large and how consumer choices could enable change on a larger scale. With a hunger for sustainabil- ity 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 Har- bour, aspires to continue paving the way towards less linear, and more sustainable trends, culti- vating a truly, circular economy.