Živinice hosts Sustainable Winter Bazaar: A shared vision for a greener future

Participants took part in the swap, exchanging quality second-hand items while reducing waste and extending the life of valuable resources. The bazaar featured a voucher-based exchange system, allowing visitors to bring up to four clean, gently used clothing items (including shoes and accessories) and exchange them for new favorites. The same system applied to books and toys, ensuring that these cherished items continued to educate, inspire, and bring joy to new owners. Set on the main city promenade, the event featured a special face-painting corner for children, while soothing music, complimentary warm drinks, and delicious treats created a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The bazaar proved to be a wonderful opportunity for people of all generations to connect and share in the spirit of community.

Živinice is one of the communities participating in the BiH SuTra programme and adopted a sustainable transition plan in October 2024, which will strengthen the city's long-term efforts for growth and development. The Mayor of the City of Živinice, Began Muhić, stated: "Today's Sustainable Winter Bazaar proves that through joint efforts, we can achieve a positive and long-lasting impact on our environment. This initiative not only reduces waste and encourages reuse but also strengthens community bonds and raises awareness of environmental responsibility. Through small yet meaningful steps, every community can contribute to a more sustainable future."

In addition to being a vibrant community gathering, the bazaar served as a practical demonstration of how sustainable practices can make a difference in everyday life. BiH SuTra Programme Manager, Saša Solujić, emphasized: “Mass production and overconsumption lead to excessive waste. The Sustainable Winter Bazaar in Živinice showcases the circular economy in action, promoting reuse over disposal. Similar initiatives, like swap and second-hand events, have gained popularity in Sweden and other Nordic countries. I was pleased to see this idea was so positively received also by the citizens and administration of the City of Živinice. Every local effort, big or small, contributes to a greener future.”

The Sustainable Winter Bazaar not only provided an alternative to fast fashion but also challenged perceptions about second-hand shopping. By extending the life cycle of clothes, books, and toys, the bazaar helped reduce waste while fostering a culture of sustainability. Unexchanged items from the bazaar will be donated to individuals in need through the MCO Merhamet Živinice and Red Cross Živinice, further extending the event's positive impact.

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. 

With its success, the Sustainable Winter Bazaar in Živinice has set a strong precedent for future initiatives, proving that sustainable solutions can be practical, enjoyable, and community-driven.