The Newbie Guide to Sweden

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sustainability in Sweden

Second-Hand Shopping in Sweden

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Written by Ezinne Edet, our Content Creator

So you just moved to Sweden, or you’re planning to. You’ve spent a considerable chunk of money paying rent. Now you figured that you need to furnish your apartment, purchase kitchenware, buy yourself some jackets and boots, and probably a bicycle to move around. But there’s just one BIG problem…you are on a budget! If these few lines describe you, you may want to consider second-hand shopping.

Sweden is big on sustainability, and sustainable practices like waste sorting and second-hand shopping are almost a norm. Besides buying vintage products at a bargain price, shopping second-hand helps reduce carbon emissions, saves resources, and prevents waste. Here are popular places for second-hand shopping in Sweden.

1. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is one of the most popular places to shop for second-hand items in Sweden. Whether you are looking to buy clothing, books, furniture, household equipment, shoes, kitchenware, bicycles, cars, or children’s toys, this is your one-stop shop. More so, you may get high-quality items for free (gratis) if you are lucky.

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a free item on Facebook Marketplace

2. Blocket

Blocket is a massive second-hand site where you can buy fairly-used cars, furniture, bicycles, electronics, and more. To shop on Blocket, you need to register on the site by entering some personal details, however, registration is absolutely free. After you have registered, enter your location, what you are searching for, and click away!

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Blocket webpage

3. Sellpy

Sellpy is an online store for buying second-hand items like clothing, accessories, and footwear. On this site, you will find second-hand items from popular brands like Zara, H&M, ARKET, Ralph Lauren, Nike, Adidas, Monki, and the likes. The great part is that you get the same quality at a very affordable price.

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Sellpy webpage

4. Tradera

Tradera is an online marketplace where you can easily buy second-hand items. You can search for anything on the site, from kitchenware, clothing items, footwear, antiques, to accessories. Tradera also has an app that you can download on Applestore or Playstore.

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Tradera webpage

5. Second-Hand Stores

If you are not a fan of online shopping, you are always welcome to shop in a brick-and-mortar second-hand store. Nearly every city in Sweden (if not all) has a second-hand store. You can find the closest one to you by doing a quick Google search or by checking out any of these ones recommended by The Newbie Guide to Sweden team.

  • Erikshjälpen: If you are in Gothenburg or its environs, you may want to check out Erikshjälpen. Their stores are located in the city center, Västra Frölunda, and Kungsbacka. They sell mostly clothing for children and adults, antiques, kitchenware, furniture, footwear, and toys. Their items are usually neat and prices are very affordable. Have a look at Erikshjälpen website as they have many stores around the country and also an online butik.
  • Stadsmissionen: They sell everything from clothes to interior designs at a very affordable price. If you are in Gothenburg or Stockholm, you may want to check out their branches scattered around the cities. You can also donate some items that you no longer use to the store.

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  • Myrorna: You can find this store in nearly all of the big cities in Sweden. Their store in Gothenburg has four floors! The first floor has all the furniture, textiles, and kitchenware. From the second floor and up you can find a great selection of clothes beautifully displayed by color.
  • Beyond Retro: If you are a vintage clothing lover, this store is a must-visit. Their prices may not be as budget-friendly, but you will find a range of special pieces.
  • Arkivet: This is one of the most fashionable second-hand stores in Sweden. They sell a great variety of clothes from popular brands, and the best part is that their clothes are way cheaper and always in perfect condition!
  • Busfrö: You can find their stores in many cities in Sweden, they usually have clothes for children, women and men, and also items for the house.

6. Pop-Up Stores/ Flea Markets

Pop-up stores/flea markets, popularly called loppis, are common during the summer. Here, you can shop for reasonably-priced antiques, vintage accessories, crafts, bags, clothing, and other second-hand items. These pop-up stores/ flea markets are usually temporary setups organized by apartments, neighbourhoods, or individuals. You can search for flea markets in your neighbourhood on this website.

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Did you know that second-hand shopping is also a way to donate to charity? Most second-hand stores in Sweden are set up to raise funds and make donations to charitable causes across the globe. So, when you purchase second-hand items, you are not just getting value for money, but also making a difference in someone’s life.

Now, over to you. If you are not in Sweden, leave a comment to tell us how second-hand shopping is done in your country. If you are in Sweden, let us know your favourite places to shop for second-hand items and why.

Sweden and Sustainability: Waste Sorting and Disposal

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Written by Ezinne Edet

Waste sorting and disposal is a common practice in Sweden. However, it may come as a culture shock to a newbie. You will notice that the bins at your home, office, school, or even on the walkway have different labels. As a result, you may find it difficult to figure out how the waste disposal system works.

Imagine finishing a cup of coffee and standing by the bin, reading the labels to figure out the right place to dispose of the cup. Depending on where you are coming from, this may feel a bit awkward.

Sweden is one of the countries that sorts and disposes of waste in categories. If you are confused about how to sort your garbage, where which garbage goes, or what the labels mean, we have compiled a simple guide for you.

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Typical waste bin (on the walkway)

Paper packaging (Pappersfӧrpackningar)

Here, you place paper packaging, like paper cups, toilet roll tubes, shoe boxes, paper bags, milk and juice packs, and the likes.

Organic waste (Matavfall)

You should place food waste, eggshells, kitchen paper, non-dyed napkins, used coffee grinds, tea bags, and wooden single-use items here.

Plastic (Plast)

This category is for plastic packaging containers, plastic bags, plastic wrapping, plastic bottles, plastic tubes, refill packs, plastic bags, packets for crisps, and similar items.

Metal (Metall)

You should place cans, bottle caps, tubes, aluminium foil, aluminium containers, soda cans, jar lids, and empty paint tins here.

Non-recyclable/ Residual waste (Restavfall)

This category is for waste that cannot be recycled, like dyed napkins, padded envelopes, vacuum cleaner bags, razor blades, toothbrushes, and diapers.

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Typical waste bin in Sweden (at the office or school)

Newspapers (Tidningar)
Here, you place recyclable paper, like magazines, newspapers, diaries, catalogues, flyers, drawing and writing papers. Note that newspapers are sorted separately from paper packaging. Also, you should sort bound books and envelopes as residual waste or organic waste.

Coloured and Clear Glass (Fargat Glas, Ofargat Glas) 

Sort coloured glass (fargat glas) separately from clear glass (ofargat glas). Place glass materials like empty wine and beer bottles, jars of mayonnaise and jam, etc. here. However, remember to remove corks, metal caps, and jar lids and place them in their respective categories.

Batteries and Lighting (Batterier, Ljuskallor)

You should place rechargeable batteries, button cell batteries, small-size batteries, batteries for mobile phones and electric tools in the compartment for batteries (batterier). While in the compartment for lighting (ljuskallor), you place LED bulbs, light bulbs, fluorescent bulbs and lamps, halogen lamps, etc.

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Sorting waste may sound like too much work. Nevertheless, a helpful tip would be to, first of all, sort the recyclables—paper, plastic, metal, organic waste, glass, batteries and lighting—then place the rest as residual waste.

Other categories of waste

You should hand in this category of waste at staffed recycling centers (ÅVC) in your municipality. You can hand them in physically at their designated offices or place an order by phone or on their website.

  • Hazardous waste: containers with residues of paint, oil, glue, or solvents.
  • Landfill: pots and pans, ceramics, scrap metal, mirrors, porcelain, and plumbing fixtures.
  • Garden waste: tree branches, leaves, moss, and grass.
  • Textiles: towels, clothing, beddings, and curtains.
  • Electrical waste: computer, household appliances, refrigerator, TV, radio, etc.
  • Bulky waste: these are household materials that are too bulky to fit into the bin. For example, sofa, household furniture, and toys. Exclude interior fittings (e.g, doors and kitchen cabinets) and car parts from bulky waste items.
  • Expired/Unused medicine: deposit this type of refuse (including hypodermic needles) at pharmacies or chemists, where they will be disposed of properly.
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Garbage room of an apartment in Sweden

Why sort waste?

Sorting waste is important because it is beneficial for the environment and communities. It is also useful for recycling.

In Sweden, organic waste is converted to biogas and bio-fertilizers for farmers, while other recyclable wastes are transformed into new products. On the other hand, residual waste is converted to energy for heating homes, powering buses, and fueling taxis.

Sweden is one of the topmost ranked countries in the world for recycling cardboard and newspaper. Hence, it is no surprise that the country topped the charts in the Global Sustainable Competitive Index 2021 and holds second place in the 2021 UN Sustainable Development Report.

If you are a newbie in Sweden, leave a comment to tell us how waste sorting and disposal has been going for you. If you are not currently living in Sweden, tell us how you dispose of waste in your country. We can’t wait to read your comments!

 

About the Author 

Hej! I am a Nigerian studying a Master of Science in Management at the University of Gothenburg. I have travelled around different countries in Africa, but this is my first time living and studying in another continent. I see living in a new country as an opportunity to learn a new culture, language, and create new networks and experiences. I will be posting about my experiences in Sweden, as a newbie, and sharing information to help you settle in fast. Enjoy!

10 Sustainable Gifts for the Holiday Season

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Trying to find the best and sustainable Christmas gift ideas for the person you really care is great but challenging a the same time. If you care about sustainability and make efforts to be more eco-friendly, the process would be getting more and more stressful. At the end you probably will have lots of Christmas gift ideas, but you would not be so certain if the fantastic gift is super beneficial for both your loved one and our only living space, the world. We have created a list full of hundred percent sustainable and eco-friendly gift ideas for this Christmas and for all special days coming up.

1.Vintage or thrifted finds/ a gift card from a vintage shop

Sweden is an excellent country to experience thrift and vintage shopping. From your early days in Sweden, you will easily observe that Swedes like to shop from secondhand stores and Loppisses (Swedish open flea markets) not only for their needs but also for gift shopping. Most of the items’ conditions are as good as new so you can buy your Christmas gifts from secondhand stores effortlessly and much cheaper! Wonder where you could go? Have a look at Erikshjälpen.

2.Mug/Thermos

Are you aware of that the coffee cups of the stores are not recyclable at all? In order to keep the drink hot, cups must have a plastic barrier. Therefore, mugs are our number one Christmas gift idea to buy for your loved ones to keep them warm on upcoming freezing months. In the same time you will be the friend who gives the fanciest and coolest item to carry with them all day, every day and everywhere. Furthermore, some coffee stores have special deals for who bring their own mug!

3. An Eco-Friendly Plant

Planting is one of best ways to get rid of all the tiredness and moody times of the Sweden’s winter. However, not all plants are innocent as we thought. Some of them have harmful effects on the world’s natural resources. Spider plant, peace lily and weeping fig are approved by NASA as eco-friendly and air purifying plants.

4. Book an Experience/online course/Concert

Sweden is full of activities and experiences. You can create an unforgettable memory as the wonderful Christmas gift this year. Here some ideas:

  • Sustainable living workshops.
  • A concert ticket to a globally famous singer’s concert in Sweden.

5. Food Containers

Swedes love to carry their meals with them to everywhere and it is a great way to reduce our carbon footprint. Food containers as a Christmas gift idea sounds nice and useful, right? With these food containers their food will always be in the perfect temperature and they easily get used to the life standards here!

6. A Book From Your Own Library

Can you give up one of your favourite books as a perfect Christmas gift this year? This gift will make think them that the very classical gift, book, should not be always bought but also, we can swap our entire library each other. In this way you can influence your social circle by reducing the paper production.

7. Homemade Tasty Goodies

Ordering food from the restaurants can be meaningful when you try to support your city’s local businesses but also, we should know that orders are increasing our carbon footprint day by day. You can give a chance to yourself in kitchen and prepare some healthy recipes for your friends, family. Glass jars and containers are perfect ways to serve your kitchen talents. Also, they can use them on their zero-waste shopping from now on!

8. A package which leads them to live more eco-friendly

Living a life that gives the least damage to the world has been a must for everyone for years and on. Small steps are going to form a way better world to live. Therefore, your guidance is much more important than you think. You can buy a gift card from your city’s very own zero-waste shops or you can pick a bundle as a starter kit. A bamboo toothbrush and toothpaste tablets, organic cotton tea bags and a tasty bulk tea or a DIY candle pack would be a perfect and useful gift. Don’t forget that you will both have such an award as you are now planning to contribute something has the utmost importance, you are one of the co-workers of the planet savers.

9. Organize a whole day with you!

Remember the best gift is a simple day which will be mentioned after years as “that day was amazing!”. Simply give your time to your loved ones. Besides, it is free and totally eco-friendly!

Don’t forget to wrap your presents with reusable fabrics like cotton. They may also use them to pack their gifts to others or just in their daily lives. Also avoid using plastic tapes. Instead of plastic tapes you can wrap up them with lovely Christmas colored ribbons!

10. Treat yourself or a newbie friend to an online course or ebook

Online courses are per definition sustainable. No shipping, no packaging and easy to access from anywhere. Newbie Learn has a number of ebooks and online courses that especially aimed to help newbies move to, settle in or understand Sweden, Swedes and Swedish.

Curious about where to find zero waste shops in Sweden?

  • You can take a look at Gram if you live in Malmö.
  • If you live in Stockholm, have a look at Stockholm Zero Waste Guide created by the association Zero Waste Stockholm and Hushållet, the first zero waste shop in the city.
  • Are you based in Jönköping? We suggest to have a look at Rekoshoppen, a shop and online store that offers wide variety of ecologic, sustainable and non-toxic products.
  • Bikupan, a cooperative that sells ecologic, local produced and Fair trade products.
  • Looking for an option online? Check Unwrapped out! It is a packaging-free online store founded in 2019.
  • If there is a zero waste shop in your area, let us know in the comments below or tag us in the social media!

Written by Nur Banu
Creative Content Manager at the Newbie Team

Nur is a lawyer with Privacy Law specialization in Turkey. She enjoys cooking vegetarian food in the most eco-friendly way, tries to participate in the solution for all types of sustainability issues and shares the moments in Sweden from the eyes of a newbie on her Instagram.