Sweden opens world's first mall that sells repaired and recycled goods

Sweden has started a mall which is one of a kind in the world as it sells only repaired or upcycled products. People can donate items which they no longer use and can shop for new recycled items. The new recycling establishment, ReTuna Återbruksgalleria is named after the Swedish town in which the building is located, Eskilstuna, Sweden. The goods that are dropped off are sorted into various workshops where they are repaired or refurbished. These second hand products are then sorted into 14 specialty shops that include furniture, computers, audio equipment, clothes, toys, bikes, and gardening and building materials. There is also a cafe and restaurant that serves only organic food. Provision for a conference and exhibition facility is there along with a specialty school for studying recycling. This centre has helped to boost the local economy by creating 50 new repair and retail jobs, and providing space for private start-ups and local artisans. This centre is doing its bit for the environment and has reduced the government's burden and expense of disposing unwanted goods while turning potential “waste” into profits. Anna Bergström, center manager ReTuna Recycling Galleria said that when a customer comes to the centre to dispose of things like clothes or furniture, they can also shop for a jacket or flowers for the garden or a new lamp for the living room. She says that when one leaves the centre, they will feel that they have done something good for the environment.