Simple is a new brand doing their part to clean up our small blue planet. Their shirts are made from 70% recycled plastic bottles and 30% cotton. Cara Hepher’s always had a passion for the oceans and surrounding eco-systems. Simple’s ink is also printed with eco-ink that is safe for the environment. For every purchase made, Simple gives R5 to SANCCOB.
What is SANCCOB?
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds. Their main objective is to combat the decline of seabird populations by the means of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing ill, injured, abandoned, and oiled seabirds – especially endangered species like the African penguin.
How did it all start?
"I have always had a passion for the environment, THE OCEANS, in particular, I was on a surf retreat in Bali in 2018 and witnessed and experienced first-hand the vast amounts of plastic in the ocean and washing up on the shore every morning, everything from plastic bags to straws to single-use PET water bottles. Surfing amongst plastic is not a fun experience! It was there that I realised the gravity of the problem globally and felt a strong urge to participate in the solution of plastic waste."
Cara, motivated to make an impact against plastic waste, enrolled to study a 3-year full-time degree in Environmental Design, starting February 2020 in Cape Town South Africa, Specialising in sustainable design. Then Corona struck...
“I was unable to commence my degree and decided due to financial and other personal reasons not to continue with that. But it was actually a blessing...”
"Through networking and research, the incredible opportunity and blessing opened up to me. Partnering with amazing like-minded people, I found the opportunity to create and pursue a brand that encompasses my passions, creativity, and sustainable environmental design. And so the recycled plastic PET water bottle shirts were born."
How many bottles go into a shirt?
The shirts are made from 6 x 500ml PET plastic water bottles locally recycled and manufactured. Each Shirt is composed of 70% plastic and 30%Cotton.
How else are your shirts different?
Our branding is printed with eco-ink meaning it is water-soluble and natural, safe for the environment. Both the ink and the shirt hold certificates of authentication.
The Brand Simple. is proudly endorsed by SANCCOB helping save sea birds by reducing the amount of plastic waste in the oceans and giving R5 per shirt sold to the incredible organisation.
What are your future plans?
Future plans include the launch of an active athleisure wear range in early 2021 also made from recycled plastic water bottles, along with accessories made from recycled HDPE plastic along with a kid range of lifestyle apparel.
What do you love about Africa?
I love Africa. I have spent 7 consecutive years travelling and living in various countries from the middle east to tropical islands to historic cities in Europe. Yet, Africa, South Africa, in particular, is my favourite. The diversity of culture and opportunity excites me. As Africans, we are very resilient and adaptable. And that is something to be proud of.
What are your superpowers?
My Super Powers include drinking vast amounts of Coffee, but my favourite super power is being a mom.
What made you take the step into the unknown to become an entrepreneur?
I've always been an Entrepreneur. It is not solely about making money it's about MAKING A DIFFERENCE. The key to success is to start before you are ready! Only look back to see how far you've come!
"Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people can transform the world.
It is our collective responsibility to look after the planet we have been gifted."
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