Together for a greener future: Ugljevik hosts Sustainable Spring Bazaar

The bazaar’s voucher-based exchange system allowed participants to bring up to four clean, gently used clothing items (including shoes and accessories) and swap them for new favorites. The same system applied to books and toys, ensuring these cherished items continued to educate, inspire, and bring joy to new owners. Beyond the exchange, visitors enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere with a special face-painting corner for children, soothing music, complimentary warm drinks, and delicious treats, creating a welcoming and festive environment.

Ugljevik is one of the communities participating in the BiH SuTra programme and adopted a sustainable transition plan in Decembre 2024, which will strengthen the municipality's long-term efforts for growth and development. Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Ugljevik, Dražen Jugović, stated: "Today's Sustainable Spring Bazaar demonstrates that, through collaboration, we can make a lasting positive impact on our environment. This initiative not only promotes waste reduction and reuse but also strengthens community ties and raises awareness about sustainability. As part of the BiH Sutra programme Ugljevik is committed to creating a greener future, and events like this show how small steps can lead to meaningful change.”

The bazaar served as a practical demonstration of how sustainable practices can be integrated into everyday life through simple yet impactful community actions. Reflecting on the growing popularity and importance of such initiatives, BiH SuTra Programme Manager, Saša Solujić, emphasized: "We’ve seen at previous bazaar events, in Breza and in Zivinice, how appreciated they have been among the residents so I am thrilled that it is now Ugljevik’s turn. These bazaars highlight how local, community-driven initiatives can bring the principles of circular economy to life. As we know, the overconsumption of clothes, i.e. the so called “fast fashion” is taking a serious toll on the environment. By giving new value to items that might otherwise be thrown away, these efforts show that even small-scale actions can make a meaningful impact toward a more sustainable future. It’s encouraging to see such ideas embraced not only in the Nordic countries, where second-hand and swap events are well established, but also by citizens and local governments in places like Ugljevik."

By extending the life cycle of clothes, books, and toys, the Sustainable Spring Bazaar helped reduce waste while fostering a culture of sustainability. Unexchanged items from the bazaar will be donated to individuals in need through the Humanitarian Organization of the Municipality of Ugljevik - CK, while remaining books will find a new home at the National Library of Ugljevik—further extending the event’s positive impact throughout the community.

The BiH SuTra programme is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) in Bosnia and Herzegovina and implemented by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI). BiH SuTra aims to improve the country-wide approach and national and local capacities to implement efficiently and effectively environmental and sustainable transition policies in BiH. The overall objective of the programme is to contribute to the sustainable transition of BiH to achieve the EU’s long-term sustainability goals.