LOCALLY, THOSE HOPING TO USE THEIR purchasing power for good, need look no further than Sunlight Collective which sells fair trade and ethically sourced jewellery, handbags, baskets and wooden toys from all over the world.
Founder Jacqueline Schofield arrived in Cayman from Canada in the early 90s having moved “with two suitcases and a bicycle”.
Twenty eight years later, after a lengthy career in local education, and having brought up two children, Jacqueline fancied a change. Spurred on by lessons learnt through the pandemic about how intricately the world is connected, and that actions taken on one side of the world can and do impact the whole world.
The store operates online at sunlightcollective.com and as a pop -up shop at fairs and markets. Purchasing from ethically focused sellers ensures that workers are paid fairly, have safe working conditions, regular working hours, health insurance and sick days.
“Many of the cooperatives (I purchase from) have daycares for their workers’ children and many provide 1-2 meals a day,” explains Jacqueline. “Most of the artisans are women and all the cooperatives believe strongly in women’s rights and the need for the advancement of women in third world countries.”
These ethical products have been very popular with Cayman consumers.
“People love the products but they love the stories behind the products even more…I think Cayman is definitely becoming more globally focused and our collective love of the environment is causing us to make better choices,” adds Jacqueline.
The toy collection, in particular, which includes puzzles, stacking toys, counting boards, baby gyms and much more, has proved extremely popular and consumers will soon be able to buy quarterly seasonal toy crates from sister venture The Wander Crate.
Crates will be available for four different age levels, and expertly curated to fuel children’s development. Subscriptions will be available, providing developmentally appropriate toys with a guide as to how to use the toys and why it is important for the child’s growth.
This article appears in the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of InsideOut magazine, now available at magazine stands and delivered to select homes in eco-tote bags sponsored by LIVING.KY.
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