Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542674
Nature Notebook Malta Thrift Shops Map Looking to shop second-hand but don't know where to begin? Friends of the Earth Malta has created a handy map featuring thrift, vintage, and charity shops across Malta where you can find pre-loved clothes, books, housewares, and more - giving items a second life! The fashion industry is a major polluter, consuming vast amounts of wa- ter, energy, and chemicals. Globally, about 85% of textile waste ends up in landfills or incinerators instead of being reused or recycled. In Malta, only 5.4% of textile waste was recycled in 2023, with 77 tonnes recycled out of over 1,425 tonnes generated. Most textiles that aren't do- nated contribute to landfill waste, and despite EU directives for separate textile waste collection, recycling rates remain low. Thrifting helps reduce this environmental impact by extending the life of clothing and reducing demand for new resources. Green idea of the week 1004 Don't miss this Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Sing With Us Date: 18 January Location: Teatru Astra, Triq ir-Repubblika, Victoria, Gozo Get ready for a magical musical journey as Kantamagħna returns for its most exciting edition yet! This vibrant singers' festival brings together powerful voices, fresh young talent, and the irresistible energy of Kantamaghna Junior, all wrapped in a dazzling, feel-good atmosphere. Backed by the sensational DCapitals Big Band, every song shines bigger, bolder, and brighter—blending emotion, rhythm, and pure joy into one unforgettable experience. Expect goosebumps, smiles, and plenty of moments that will have you humming long after the final note fades. Live Jazz Band with Wine & Charcuterie Date: 23 and 30 January Location: Spinola Café & Lounge Spinola Café & Lounge, St Julian's, Mlata Enjoy a night of live jazz music at Spinola Lounge. Sip on free-flowing wine, savor shared charcuterie boards, and relax in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere by the bay. Astronomical Observations Date: 23 January Location: Hagar Qim Temple, Triq Hagar Qim, Qrendi, Malta Participants will be divided into two groups: one will join a curator's tour of Hagar Qim, discovering its 5000-year- old architecture and its relationship with the surrounding landscape, while the other will take part in a guided astronomy session with telescope observations of Jupiter, Saturn, the Moon, and other deep- sky objects. Tickets are available at Heritage Malta's online store and from all Heritage Malta museums and sites. Pulse of the Earth Date: 24, 25 January Location: St Agatha's Auditorium, Rabat, Malta Pulse of the Earth is the Academy of Dance Arts' biennial showcase uniting students of all ages in a diverse programme of dance styles, offering every student the opportunity to perform on stage while celebrating individual growth and the Academy's collective spirit. Made With Love Artisan Fair Date: 31 January Location: Villa Rundle Gardens, Triq ir- Repubblika, Victoria Celebrate with us at the Made with Love Artisan Fair! Explore a delightful array of handcrafted treasures and unique, heartfelt goods perfect for gifting—or keeping just for yourself. Wander through an atmosphere brimming with creativity, charm, and inspiration, where every booth tells a story. From hand-poured candles and bespoke jewelry to artisanal home décor, local artwork, and one-of-a-kind fashion pieces, there's something special for everyone. Enjoy live music, interactive demonstrations, and tasty treats from local vendors as you shop, mingle, and support passionate makers from our community. Bring your family, friends, and loved ones for a day filled with laughter, discovery, and memories to cherish. Uncorked by Farsonsdirect Date: 1 Febuary Location: InterContinenta, St Julian's, Malta Join us for Uncorked Wine Portfolio Tasting, a rare opportunity to explore Farsonsdirect's full wine selection. For the first time, this extensive showcase is open to the public, inviting wine lovers, collectors, and curious beginners to discover an extraordinary range of bottles from around the world. MPO Chamber Concert Date: 8 Febuary Location: Robert Samut Hall, Triq Sarria, Floriana, Malta Romantic depth meets jazzy brilliance in a programme brimming with elegance and exuberance. Brahms' Piano Trio No. 1 unfolds with warm lyricism and rich textures, uniting piano, violin and cello in a work of both tenderness and grandeur. Selections from Claude Bolling's Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio No. 2 fuse classical poise with jazz-infused swing, offering spirited, playful energy. A Tim Borg Work-in-Progress Stand Up Comedy Show Date: 9 Febuary Location: Beer Dog Pub, Triq Mons. G. Depiro, Sliema, Malta Tim Borg has established himself as one of Malta's most versatile stand ups, leaving audiences breathless with his ability to excel in traditional stand up, alternative comedy, and crowd work. During this work-in-progress show, Tim Borg will go through a mix of new and tested material for approximately an hour, covering several themes including identity, masculinity, and validation. 1004. Black-necked grebe FOR the winter months, our wetland reserves – plus a few bays and harbours – every year become home to the graceful grebes. Grebes are accomplished diving birds and three species occur in Maltese waters, the most frequent being the black-necked grebe (M. blonġun sekond). Walking around a creek you may, with some luck, spot one or two bobbing among the boats and diving for small fish but by far the best place to see them is in our protected wetland reserves at Għadira, Is-Simar and Salina. At these sites the grebes find the right habitat, plenty of fish and other water creatures, and relatively safe haven. Grebes are lake and river birds, many spending their life at the same site. But where winters bring freezing temperatures and icy lakes and rivers, as in northeastern Europe, they fly south to spend winter in the milder Mediterranean, where lakes do not freeze and the land doesn't all turn white. 5 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 18 JANUARY 2026 ALMANAC Victor Falzon Explore Malta's thrift shops and start your sustainable shopping journey here: https://foemalta.org/blog/malta-thrift-shops-map/