Recycled flipflops turned into playful animal toys. Abandoned flipflops are an environmental disaster. Thousands upon thousands of them are washed up onto the beaches and coast of Kenya. They destroy the natural beauty of the beaches, clog waterways and threaten the eco-system of the area. Fish swallow them and suffocate. Baby turtles can't make it back into the sea. Ocean Sole is a small foundation that works on marine conservation with local communities. © Ocean Sole They work with artisans to transform the discarded flipflops into elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, dolphins, sharks, turtles and more.
These colourful and large creations are a joyous message and reminder to protect our environment. There are lots of flipflops to be found: Ocean Sole's goal is to recycle 400,000 flipflops a year. The initiative was founded in 1997 by a Kenyan marine conservationist who was working on a development project in the area and was horrified at the waste and damage. From that start Ocean Sole is now recycling about 220 pounds of shoes a week. TreeHugger | Your source for green design & living news, commentary and advice.