SOT in Local Soundbites (Radio Transcript)
Many of us may loathe to wear hand-me downs when we were younger - a cost-cutting measure devised by parents to recycle clothes.
But times have changed. Now, some shops in Singapore have made a small fortune selling handmade goods made from recycled clothes and other items.
Judging by these success stories, it appears thay by buying these products, consumers are now more aware about our depleting resources and are doing their bit to help save the environment.
Shaffiq Alkhatib with this Earth Day report.
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Tucked away in a shophouse near Arab Street is a little store like no other. Items such as handmade rag dolls and patchwork bags adorn the shelves at Makisquarepatch. Twenty-five year old Wend Pixin co-owns the shop.
Everything that is made of fabric over her is all recycled from secondhand clothes. All fabric remnants that local boutiques donate to us.
Makisquarepatch first started as an online store in 2005. But business was bad back then. Weeks could go by without a single sale. However, through word of mouth, the situation soon improved and their first shop was launched last year at Emerald Hill. Pixin's elder sister, 27-year old Weng Enqi is also her business partner. Other than the uniqueness of their products, Enqi says, business took off as more people are now making a conscious effort to save the environment.
People really like the designs. With the hype and awareness that has been going on, definitely more Singaporeans are aware and are actively participating in supporting the environment.
Goya Design, on the other hand, is an online store that sells, among others, handmade bags made from recycled paper. One of the storeowners, 31-year old Gideon Yong says these bags are strong and can last for months with careful use.
My bags are made up of recycled paper imported from Japan. (How was business when you first started compared to now?) Sometimes, there were no sales at all. But now I earn as in profits 100 or 200 per month.
He says business is picking up, partially because Singaporeans are now more environmentally friendly. They have learnt to appreciate goods made from recycled products. Gideon's business partner, Elle Wong shares her sentiment.
To carry the bag is just like saving a tree because they're made of recycled paper.
The bags also reduce wastage and help save the environment, says Elle.
Actual Radio Recording (Click below to play):
We will hold a booth at MAAD (Market for Artist And Designers) at Red Dot Design Museum (directions click here) on 3-4 May 2008 from 11am to 7pm. We like to invite all readers to come visit MAAD.
Orders of Products. . .
Note down the product model number you pose interest in and send an email to gideon.yong@goyad.com to place order. Or alternatively, you can give us a call at 96567196 (10am to 5pm) to place order. We promise to deliver the product to your doorstep by the next day.
We wanted to show our customers our dedication to a better living environment for our future generations. We have launched a range of handmade ECO-friendly ladies' bags using recycled paper. All bags have been coated with waterproof coatings.
What are you waiting for? Click here to register.
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 Visit My eBay Store: Goya Design Singapore |
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