With ocean pollution continuing to threaten the survival and overall health of marine life worldwide; a new organization emerges to turn flip flops (one of the most common forms of ocean pollution) into magnificent colorful pieces of art and assist in developing trade in the African nation of Kenya.
Although the Watamu shores of Kenya should be pristine, they are currently anything but. As flip flops made from synthetic materials have become the most common shoe of the underprivileged, they have in-turn also become one of the world’s oceans biggest polluters. With eight million tons of plastic entering our oceans each year, estimates advise that if we do not change, there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish by 2050.
Erin Smith at Ocean Sole AKA the Flip Flop Recycling Company, a social enterprise based in Nariobi, Kenya has been working to change this unfortunate reality for over two decades, by recycling washed up flip flops from the Indian Ocean and turning them into inherently unique pieces of colorful art. To increase awareness of the international problem, Ocean Sole aims to recycle over 400,000 flip flops every year by converting them to extremely creative Kenyan style works of art.
Ocean Sole’s creative team continues to use their imagination in branching out into new products that even include furniture & sculptures. The majority of art-work features elephants, lions, gorillas and many other threatened species from all across the globe. Ocean Sole’s most significant creations are appropriately dubbed “Grand Masterpieces” these works are significant in more than one way with some examples exceeding 18 feet, like their nearly life-size sculpture of a Giraffe and even giant chess pieces for eco-savvy resorts around the world.
A significant portion of Ocean Soles proceeds are transferred back to their foundation to continue research & education to assist in revenging ocean pollution. As Ocean Sole continues to clean up the beaches across Kenya, the country also benefits from increased tourism from there clean beaches resulting in overall economic growth. Ocean Sole is continuing to discuss opening similar projects through-out the world.
For more information please visit: www.ocean-sole.com
