From rubbish to new beginnings – Cambodian jewellery made by ‘waste-pickers’ July 6, 2007
Posted by Catriona Pollard in Taylor & Khoo.add a comment
Taylor & Khoo is proud to announce the launch of its New Beginnings jewellery range – a gorgeous selection of necklaces and bracelets made from recycled rubbish.
The New Beginnings range is not just about finding a new beginning for recycled products, it’s also about helping people in poverty create their own “new beginning”.
The New Beginnings jewellery – which is similar to strands of luscious beads in a variety of colours – are predominantly created by Cambodian “waste-pickers”. By creating and selling this jewellery, these waste-pickers are able to earn an income. They can find an alternative and safe form of work instead of spending hours trawling dump sites salvaging materials.
“We’re thrilled to be offering this jewellery in the Taylor & Khoo store in Skygarden Shopping Centre in Pitt Street Mall,” says Valerie Khoo, co-founder of Taylor & Khoo, a unique accessories and fashion label with a 100 per cent social cause – to support disadvantaged groups in Cambodia. “The necklaces and bracelets come in a huge range of colours in a very contemporary style. You can wear a single strand, or multiple strands.”
Apart from the fact the jewellery looks good, Valerie says that they jewellery symbolises what Taylor & Khoo is all about – providing a second chance for people, a new beginning.
According to Cambodia’s Community Sanitation And Recycling Organization (CSARO) waste pickers in Cambodia are:
In poverty
Unable to enrol in school
Have no capital to start business
Are helping parents to support the family
Have no skills to be employed in other sectors.
Have low levels of literacy
Pick waste in the dump piles, along the streets, trash bins and dump sites.
Earn about around US$ 0.50 to $ 3.00 from the waste.
Are vulnerable to some common diseases.
“We like the fact that making this jewellery gives them an alternative to sifting around rubbish all day,” says Valerie. “If we can create a market for their work, they are effectively running their own cottage industry.”
Valerie says that the New Beginnings jewellery is part of a range of recycled products made in Cambodia which are being given a new life. “We’re known for producing beautiful silk clothes and handbags form Cambodia,” says Valerie. “We’re still producing these beautiful items but have now added a twist to what we offer – edgier, funkier products made from unique materials.”
Taylor & Khoo will also be offering Pop Art Purses made from recycled milk and fruit juice cartons, shopping bags made from handwoven plastic bags and computer carry bags made from rubber tyres.
The New Beginnings necklaces are $19.95 and bracelets are $7.95.
Available from:
Taylor & Khoo
Level 1, Skygarden Shopping Centre
Pitt Street Mall (above Borders book store).
Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.taylorandkhoo.com/
