Flip Flop Recycling

Last weekend was the first time I wore my flip flops this season. A good feeling as then I know summer is really here, not so excited to put on a swimsuit but that’s another story!

Would you believe that flip flops are some of the most common debris to wash up on Kenya’s beaches? UniquEco has taken these literally washed up flip flops and created a small fairtrade company.

Julie Church, the founder and a environmental scientist working in turtle conservation was aware that a major obstacle in sea turtles nesting was the extraordinary amount of garbage washed up because of powerful currents. Church had seen children making toys out of discarded flip flops and from there the idea to create jewelry, home accessories and sculptures was spawned.

UniqueEco is socially and eco-responsible. Supporting the local community UniqueEco hires workers to gather the 40,000 flip-flops that wash up on shore each year and craft them into cool fair-trade products. The company also raises global awareness of marine conservation through commissioned art.

Check out their flip flop wares: uniqueco-designs.com. As much as we love these fabulous accessories remember to bring your flip flops home from the beach!