Start the Year as You Mean to Go On!

“Sustainable” and “ethically sourced products” are definitely buzzwords now in the world of retail. We look at three brands stocked at the collective store A Raft of Otters who really walk the talk by using recycled materials or by giving back to others who need help.

Layard Interiors X Moniko

Layard Interiors have teamed up with Moniko to bring  accessories re-crafted from vintage kimonos and obis to Singapore shores. As unique as they are stunning, the range includes clutches, wallets, makeup bags, belts and headbands. Not just because they used recycled materials, they’re also the ultimate ‘gift that gives back’ because Moniko works with disabled artisans in Cambodia and refugees from Afghanistan and Myanmar. Their projects benefit and boost families and communities who have fewer opportunities due to their social and physical situations. These modern-day artisans are paid a good price for their work, and Moniko supplies all materials, equipment and training where necessary.

Expat Living loves that each item comes with the name of the individual that made your beautiful accessory, and the age of the vintage kimono or obi that went into making it!

The Bright Campaign (TBC)

TBC stocks rad Aussie brands for the fun peeps in SG! Think totes for the beach, picnic or pool (or even grocery shopping), high-quality cooler bags in fun prints and sand-free beach mats that are perfect for Singapore conditions. Also, all TBC products stocked at A Raft of Otters are made from recycled materials, and to top this off, one tree is planted for every single item sold (#buyoneplantone).

Project Ten totes, zip pouches and cooler bags feature a fabric called RPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate), which is not only strong, light and durable, but made mostly from recycled plastic bottles!

SomerSide beach mats are made from 85 percent recycled plastic bottles. They’re sand resistant and dry four times faster than regular cotton towels. What’s more, they’re odour resistant and super lightweight and compact, with a hidden zip pocket for valuables – and an absolute joy to use!

Elephant Parade

This social enterprise runs the world’s largest art exhibition of decorated elephant statues. Created by artists and celebrities, each one is unique. The life-size, baby elephant statues are exhibited in international cities and raise awareness around elephant conservation.

Limited-edition, handcrafted replicas and a select range of products are created from the exhibition elephants, with all net profits donated to elephant welfare and conservation projects helping the animals in their fight for space, dignity and survival. These sales raise awareness and support projects that focus on elephant health and wellbeing, conflict with humans, and educating the public on these issues. Help paint a better future for them!

Central to the ethos at A Raft of Otters is giving back to the community at large. While not only selecting vendors in their collective that are sustainable, ethically sourced products and with a community focus, proceeds from their oversized cotton reusable tote bags ($6) go entirely to the Singapore animal charity ACRES, whose vision it is to create a world where animals are treated with compassion and respect.

Find A Raft of Otters on the third floor of Tanglin Mall.
araftofotters.com

This article first appeared in the January 2023 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!

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