What do you do with things when they get damaged? Do you throw them away, recycle them, or repair them?
In an age of excessive consumerism, we easily discard items that could be reused with just minor repairs. Out of convenience, we throw them into the trash instead of considering the possibility of reusing them. The throwaway culture, a direct consequence of consumerism, creates enormous amounts of waste, more and more each year. Such habits are harmful to the environment as well as our budget. For this reason, Sunce launched the national Together without plastic campaign, aiming to offer alternative solutions for reducing waste. Sometimes, simply restoring or repairing damaged items is enough to extend their lifespan.
Research conducted by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that promoting product repairs could significantly reduce waste across the European Union. According to a 2022 report, extending product lifespans through repairs could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10–15%, which is crucial for meeting emission reduction goals by 2030.
Where you can repair old items in Split
1. Bicycle repair workshop
For the past several years, you can repair your bike in Split for free, thanks to the volunteers of Biciklopopravljaona Popka – Split. After a long break, they resumed their activities at the Klub Zona. In the new season, repairs will be possible on the first Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. This is an opportunity to fix minor issues, breathe new life into your bike, and learn useful maintenance tips. Note that you must reserve your spot in advance via the registration form available on their social media.
While taking care of your bike, don’t miss September’s biggest cycling event—the traditional Split Bicycle Ride (Splitska biciklijada). Follow Sunce on social media to be the first to know when registration opens and to secure your place on the route that leads to unforgettable fun in Đardin. More information on last year’s route can be found here.
2. Cobblers
Many traditional crafts in Croatia are slowly dying out. While they haven’t completely disappeared, cobblers in Split are becoming fewer. Footwear used to be made from natural materials, which were easy to repair. Today, shoes are often made from synthetic materials like plastics and rubber, which are difficult to treat or process. People buy shoes, wear them for two or three months, throw them away, and buy new ones because repairing the old ones isn’t worth it.
By repairing old shoes, you can extend their life for at least some time, helping not only the environment but also preserving traditional crafts. You can find cobbler shops on Google Maps or the website Mojkvart.
Our recommendations:
- ZANATSKA RADNJA DRLJE
Location: Vukovarska 106 - RASPJEVANI POSTOLAR
Location: Dubrovačka 10
3. Watchmakers
As watches developed, so did the craft of watchmaking. Early watches were mechanical, and their mechanisms required maintenance every five years by a watchmaker. Over time, watches began to be produced industrially, powered by batteries. Still, watchmakers remain essential for maintenance, repairs, and cleaning. Although most people take their watches to specialized stores, traditional watchmaking workshops can still be found in Split’s city center.
Our recommendations:
- URAR MRKUŠIĆ
Location: Petra Svačića 7, 21000 Split - URAR ŠETEMANA
Location: Slavićeva 1, 21000 Split
4. Tailors
Although tailoring is one of the oldest crafts, it is still alive, even in the era of mass production. Whether it’s luxury, made-to-measure clothing for high-paying clients in world capitals, or simple clothing repairs in small towns, tailors remain an important part of our lives. In Split, many places offer sewing and repair services, giving new life to old clothes with their skill.
At the same time, initiatives like the ŠIZIKA project, which we run—aim to spark interest among young people in sewing as a useful skill that also combats fast fashion and excessive consumption. This project not only promotes more sustainable consumption but also empowers young people to become creators rather than just consumers through creative sewing workshops.
Our recommendations:
- ROŽA DIZAJN
Location: Obrov 8 - OBRT ZA PROIZVODNJU I USLUGE NELI
Location: Šimićeva 32
5. Carpenters
Carpentry is more than 5,000 years old. By working with wood and other materials, carpenters produce furniture, construction joinery, paneling, cladding, and various everyday items. The modernization of the carpentry trade and the adaptation of techniques to modern industry have elevated it into a craft of the future. With the growth of the wood industry and the rise of eco-friendly living habits, wooden products—and carpentry skills—have become increasingly sought after.
Old wooden furniture can be transformed into unique vintage pieces through carpentry restoration. So next time you consider getting rid of old furniture, think about repurposing and restoring it. You might be surprised by what your old furniture can become.
Our recommendations:
- SOLANO INTERIJERI
Location: Kroz Smrdečac 27, 21000 Split - DIN INTERIJERI
Location: Josipa Jovića 51, 21000 Split
The right to repair: A key to sustainable development and waste reduction
The Right to Repair is considered a crucial step toward achieving a circular economy in the European Union by 2050, as part of the European Green Deal, which sets guidelines for reaching climate neutrality by that date. In April 2024, the European Parliament adopted the Right to repair directive, aimed at promoting more sustainable consumption. This directive makes it easier to repair faulty products, reduces waste, and supports the repair sector. Repairing will be easier and cheaper than buying a new, more expensive item.
Events that promote reuse, such as swap fairs, also play a key role in reducing waste, especially waste linked to packaging.
By using traditional craft services, we promote sustainable habits, help preserve old trades, and support reuse and waste reduction. This is the foundation of a circular economy, whose primary goal is to ensure that products have the longest possible lifespan and can be reused.