Over 3 billion petroleum-based flip-flops are produced annually, most of them ending up in landfills, rivers, and oceans. This kind of pollution takes 200 to 1,000 years to degrade, only to break down into harmful microplastics that threaten marine life. Even the Economic World Forum report states that, by weight, there could be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050, but a nonprofit in Kenya is working to change that.
Ocean Sole is a charity organization founded on turning pollution into artwork, collecting discarded and dilapidated foam flip-flops that have washed up on Africa's beaches into vibrant sculptures, and raising awareness about protecting the oceans. They recycle over 19,000 flip-flops every week from cities, coastlines, and waterways in Kenya, and have shipped 30,000 art pieces around the world. These sculptures range from miniature turtles to towering giraffes, with an even broader selection shaped after the marine life they aim to protect. Ocean Sole accepts public donations alongside selling their artful pieces, which start at just 20 dollars, allowing them to continue making a difference one flip flop at a time.
Check it out for yourself
Ocean Sole: https://oceansole.com/collections/marine-collection
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