Ocean Sole is an ocean conservation group located in Kenya that turns flip-flop pollution into art and functional products, simultaneously promoting the love of the oceans. Their philosophy reads as follows:
Vision: Waste-free oceans.
Mission: To become a global leader in conservation entrepreneurship.
Purpose: To educate, empower and enable people to value and respect our oceans.
520000 Flip Flops Were Collected Off Beaches Last Year
Watch this 60 Seconds Look on Flip-flop Art.
Flip-flop artist Francis Mutua guides us through the work being done by Ocean Sole, where over 900 Kenyans have found support and employment. Their mission is to become a global leader in helping ordinary people start businesses in the name of conservation.
Millions of discarded flip-flops are posing major hazards to our oceans.
Since 2005, they have positively impacted many by cleaning up over 1000 tons of flip-flops from the Ocean and waterways in Kenya, providing steady income to over 150 low-income Kenyans in the company and supply-chain, and contributing over 10% of their revenue to marine conservation programmes.
– Their actions must make a difference to the plight of the Oceans.
– The ethos is to give back what they earn to change the lives of many through education, income and meals.
– The energy is focused on delivering fun products that remind of the precious marine life.
‘We make fun art so people, companies, and charities remember that the Ocean needs our help. Our pieces represent the trash found in the oceans and waterways that are killing human and marine life in their journey from the dumps to the beaches.’
The frightening facts about flip-flop usage
A staggering 3 billion people on planet earth wear flip-flops as their primary form of shoe as they are so affordable. Flip Flops are made from a combination of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate and other plastics and they do not biodegrade. They do however photo-degrade, breaking up into smaller and smaller pieces to form part of the plastic soup plaguing our oceans.
50% of those flip-flops are consumed in Asia. The refuse systems in many Asian countries are poor and the flip-flops end up in the rivers. The rivers lead to the sea where the trade-winds drive them onto the east coast of Africa (provided marine animals don’t consume them en route). It’s not just the east coast of Africa that’s affected though – we’re seeing flip-flop pollution from South America to the Himalayan river systems.
Please note that I’ve since seen the art for sale at the V&A Waterfront’s Watershed, in Cape Town.
The Essential Details
Ways that you can become involved: http://oceansole.co.ke/becomeasolemate or shop for one of the items. Pics sourced from their website. Follow them on Facebook for regular educational updates.
4 Responses
How can you buy their art? Website isn’t working
Hey there Charles
They do have an online store listing and you can also email them at solemates@oceansole.co.ke for more details. I saw it while in Kenya and bought some there, which made it easier, but there are stockists around the world. I’m able to access their website at http://oceansole.co.ke/ and there is a message option on their FB page too https://www.facebook.com/OceanSole/. Hope that helps.
Thank you for visiting The Incidental Tourist and for the interest in supporting this wonderful initiative.
Dawn
Hello, I was wondering where I can purchase this beautiful art?
Hey there Kerryn
They do have an online store listing and you can also email them at solemates@oceansole.co.ke for more details. I saw it while in Kenya and bought some there, which made it easier, but there are stockists in Australia if that is where you are? More on their website http://oceansole.co.ke/.
Thank you for visiting The Incidental Tourist and for the interest in supporting this wonderful initiative.
Dawn