I never really though about what a huge impact flipflops could make, both positively and negatively. Flipflops are such a simple and common clothing item, and it is for this same reason that millions of people in the world own a pair, therefore making abandoned flipflops a main contributor of environmental disasters.
Thousands of flipflops are washed into the beaches of Kenya, causing not just visual contamination but clogging waterways, and threatening the ecosystem by killing fish and baby turtles.
Ocean Sole is a flipflop recycling company that was created with the sole purpose of finding a solution to flipflop contamination.
As a response, under the Ocean Sole Company, in 2005, UniqueEco Designs was formed at Marula Studios in Kenya, as a for profit company that launched with the purpose of finding a fresh and fun solution to beach pollution as well as local poverty.
Local artisans use recycled flipflops to build colourful sculptures of animals such as sharks, turtles, whales, elephants, dolphins and more. These sculptures are sold, and 5% of the profit is donated to the Ocean Sole Foundation.
The local workers also make giant sculptures and showcase them in order to raise awareness for the marine life conservation, and to bring support back to the Ocean Sole Foundation, as 25% the giant sculpture’s profits go directly back to the foundation.
The Ocean Sole Foundation is a small foundation that focuses on the conservation of marine life in collaboration with local communities. It currently provides Jobs to 40 local workers. It aims to connect people with the sea, their waste and their own responsibility. They RISE to action and aim to Recycle, Innovate, Sustain and Educate.
“The ocean sole foundation works with communities, scientists, conservationists, artists, governments, industries and other non-profit organizations that are raising awareness and are actively involved in marine conservation. We support actions that recycle, reduce and reuse marine and waterway debris.” (Ocean Sole Company)
Some of Ocean Sole’s Accomplishments include:
In 2006, Ocean Wise created a real life size Minke whale made out of wire mesh and recycled flipflops to raise awareness in Environmental Day in Mombasa, Kenya. As well in 2008, an 18 feet Giraffe was made and shipped to Rome to be displayed and raise awareness during Fashion Week.
In 2008, Ocean Sole was one if the 12 finalists in the BBC World Challenge, were they were recognized as a small business that demonstrates enterprise and innovation.
In 2010, The Swedish Cultural Museum echibited The Flipflop Palm Tree highlighting Kenya’s innovative use of recycled flipflops. As well, Ocean Sole won the Kenya National Award at the Energy Globe Awards for its sustainable development.
In 2012, Ocean Sole was featured on BBc2’s “indian Ocean” series. Also, in 2012, they exhibited their new jewellery collection at the 2012 Ethical Fashion Week in Paris under the Source East Africa Brand.
In 2013, they appeared in Trade Shows in the USA such as the New York International Gift Fair, the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market and the Museum Stores Association Conference and Expo in LA.
Ocean Sole is both a profit company and a aiding foundation. I had never heard of them before until recently and I think that what they are doing is absolutely fantastic and inspiring. They make use of the triple bottom line, achieving social, environmental and economical success! They generate self-supportive jobs for local workers in Kenyan where they educate them to recycle the flipflops and produce beautiful sculptures, while being part of running a business all the same time. On the other hand, they raise awareness for the marine life conservation while helping to save the ecosystem.
http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/recycled-flipflops-toys.html