Jessie’s Juice Bar and Cafe and South West Collective partner with Starboard’s Plastic Offset Program to take traceable eco-action.
Cayman Islands – March 2025 – Leading the way in sustainable dining, Jessie’s Juice Bar and Cafe (Jessie’s) and South West Collective are proud to announce their commitment to removing plastic from the beaches through Starboard’s Plastic Offset Program (POP). As a pioneering Cayman-based company, the restaurant collective has invested in Starboard’s VERRA-certified plastic credit representing one tonne of plastic waste removed from the shorelines. The cafe owners, Jess and Lachie Hewitt, recognize the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution globally and are committed to taking immediate action.
Starboard, renowned for designing the iQFOiL Olympic Windsurfing Class and recipient of World Sailing’s Sustainability Award and the IOC’s Sport Positive award, offers high-quality, verified impact credits through POP. This impact project removes all types of plastic waste within 50 meters of the shoreline on beaches in Myanmar and Thailand, ensuring that it never reaches the ocean.
Beyond plastic cleanup, Starboard’s POP initiative creates tangible social impact by strengthening waste management infrastructure, hosting educational programs in schools, and providing livelihood workshops for local communities. In Myanmar, where the effects of the military coup and the recent earthquake devastation have deepened hardships, the POP is more critical than ever. Through this partnership, the cafes are contributing to crucial environmental and social impact.
Taking Responsibility for Plastic Footprint
Jessie’s and South West Collective have long been champions of sustainability in Cayman by encouraging customers to enjoy their beverages in reusable cups, offering biodegradable straws, and even introducing edible cutlery options. Nevertheless, despite sustainability efforts, plastic continues to be an undeniable presence in the environment.
Plastic credits offer a verified and measurable way to account for and offset the plastic that cannot yet be eliminated from operations. As part of their broader sustainability strategy, Jessie’s and South West Collective are committed to tracking their plastic usage and offsetting one tonne of plastic waste through Starboard’s POP. This commitment allows them to take responsibility for their plastic footprint while continuing to seek innovative ways to reduce plastic dependency.
A Global Ocean, A Shared Responsibility
The oceans connect us all, and plastic waste does not have any borders. By investing in plastic credits, Jessie’s and South West Collective are addressing the global plastic crisis while demonstrating leadership in sustainable business practices. This initiative provides an effective and immediate solution without waiting for government regulations, ensuring that plastic waste is removed and communities are empowered today.
Through Starboard’s Plastic Offset Program, Jessie’s and South West Collective are pioneering a new path for sustainable dining, proving that businesses, no matter where they operate, can take action to protect our oceans and our planet.
Jess Hewit, owner of Jessie’s Juice Bar and South West Collective, describes the company’s new partnership,
“We’d love to see other local businesses join The Plastic Offset Program to help support our global community & curb the amount of plastic going into landfill locally. Increasing awareness of solutions such as this forward thinking programme and our daily choices is where we can all bring about much needed change.”
Svein Rasmussen, Starboard CEO and former Olympic Windsurfer, explains the importance of POP,
“Our project’s impact in Myanmar is more crucial than ever amid the ongoing coup and political instability. Vulnerable community members depend on the POP for their livelihoods, income, waste management, and education, making it a vital source of support in uncertain times.”
Together, this partnership shows that the private sector can have an impact without waiting for government regulations.
Join Us In Accelerating Eco Action:
Starboard encourages the private sector to join the eco-action.
For more information on plastic credits and how you or your company can get involved, please email Ava Hider: ava@star-board.com
About Jessie’s Juices and South West Collective
Jessie’s Juice Bar & Café, founded in 2011 in Camana Bay, Grand Cayman, and South West Collective are two cafés driven by a passion for health and sustainability. By sourcing fresh, local produce and embracing low-waste dining, they are redefining conscious eating in the Cayman Islands.
Jessie’s Website: https://jessiesjuicebar.com/
South West Collective: https://www.southwestcollectivecayman.com/
About Starboard
Since 1994, Starboard, founded by Svein Rasmussen, has been a leading innovator in windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, wingfoiling, and the Olympic windsurf provider. Starboard has earned recognition for its commitment to sustainability and positive environmental impact through programs like its Plastic Offset Program.
Learn more about the initiative at Starboard Plastic Offset Program
Starboard’s website: https://star-board.com/
Starboard Blue Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starboard-blue/
