In light of the objectives for the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) 2025, the University of Malta participated in this week of events, through three main activities, promoting reuse of goods. The focus of the EWWR events held at the Msida University campus was on the reuse of clothes and books [1]. Three events were organised:
Raising awareness on the importance of reusing these items began in the weeks leading up to the EWWR 2025. Clothes and books in good condition were collected from across the University community to be resold. Announcements to publicise the events and the University of Malta’s participation in EWWR 2025 were made on the official news portal of the University of Malta and the university’s social media platforms.
The Trash to Trend – 2026 Ethical Fashion Campaign was organised to promote sustainable practices within the fashion and textile sector. The initiative focused on waste reduction through reuse, repair and conscious consumption, aligning with the University’s strategic commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The campaign was held over two days at the University of Malta KSU Common Room. Three workshops were held for staff and students. Participants brought their personal garments, reinforcing the principles of reuse and waste reduction. Workshop 1 focused on Basic Sewing Techniques when 12 participants were introduced to hand-sewing skills for minor garment repairs. Ten (10) participants attended the second workshop which focused on Visible Repair and Mending. Participants were shown creative and functional mending techniques to extend garment life. The third workshop emphasised Tailoring and Sewing Machine Techniques. Twelve (12) participants were provided with introductory skills in machine sewing and basic alterations.
By organising a thrift shop, emphasis was given to sustainability-related benefits accruing from reusing unwanted clothing items, thus giving them a new lease of life. Such actions contribute to reducing waste which ends up in landfills, raise awareness about textile waste and the environmental impact of fast fashion, and contribute to reducing the use of water, dyes and chemicals all of which are required for the production of textiles and clothes.
The UM community were invited to donate clothes for the thrift shop event. Twenty collection points across University sites resulted in an overwhelming amount of clothes leading to a decision to run the event over two days. The quality of the donated clothes was generally of a high standard. Staff and students spent several hours sorting through the donated items to select those which would go on sale at the thrift shop. Prices were kept low as the emphasis was on reuse rather than making money. Many who visited the thrift shop were delighted to snap up bargains. The extent and range of clothes which had been donated served as a wakeup call for all to see the sheer volume of perfectly good items which were no longer wanted by their original owners and may have ended up being thrown out. €1,645 were generated from the sales. These funds were later presented to Dar Hosea, an NGO which provides care and support for vulnerable women involved in prostitution.
Unsold clothes were distributed to support other initiatives: a van full of clothes was donated Inspire for their own charity shop. Other clothes were welcomed by the organisers of another thrift shop event, the proceeds of which were to be donated to charitable causes including Puttinu Cares Foundation, Europa Donna Malta & Malta Male Cancer Support and RMJ’s Horse Rescue.
Whilst being beneficial to those seeking a bargain, thrift shops serve as reminders of the negative impact of the textile industry on the environment. Following the success of this event, some individuals have expressed an interest in setting up a thrift shop on campus on a more regular basis.
The collection phase for this event was very successful, thanks to the generous donations from staff working at the Library and other entities across University. Fiction and non-fiction publications which were received were in very good condition.
The sale itself was organised with affordability and reuse in mind. Paperbacks were priced at €2, while selected hardbacks and non-fiction titles were sold at slightly higher prices. The initiative was well-received by the UM community and resulted in a total of €770 being raised. Proceeds from the book sale will be directed towards a sustainability project which is being developed in collaboration with LACES, ensuring that the initiative had a clear and tangible conclusion aligned with the objectives of EWWR.
In light of the encouraging feedback, plans are underway to extend this initiative through further activities aimed at promoting reuse and reading. Follow-up activities will further encourage the University community to maximise use made of donations while promoting sustainability.
[1] The thematic focus of the 2025 edition of EWWR was on waste electrical and electronic equipment. However, standard University procedures already ensure that use of computer equipment and their components is maximised.