How Flip-Flop Art Helps Clean Kenya's Beaches | World Wide Waste | Business Insider

Flip-flops are one of the oldest styles of shoes in the world, and today they are the most popular. We make over 1 billion of them every year, and one company in Kenya turns these old sandals into colorful works of art.
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How Flip-Flop Art Helps Clean Kenya's Beaches | World Wide Waste | Business Insider

[@BusinessInsider]

We want your help expanding Insider's videos about the environment, climate change, and sustainability. Tell us your thoughts in this 2-3 minute survey: bit.ly/InsiderWWWsurvey 

 Thanks so much!

[@Viper_x123]

Okay

[@Viper_x123]

@Blek&Raysist Samee

[@tusk9687]

Pl

[@СберегательныйБанк]

фигня полная

[@dr_redbanRL]

My thoughts- this needs to stop. These people are causing more pollution

[@AlexCren1]

My mom brought home a giraffe made by them years ago. It still sits on her desk and I remember her talking about how it was made. She visited the factory and saw them working on other sculptures. So neat to see how that giraffe was made! Not to mention the larger scale sculptures which she could only describe to me. They are so beautiful and well made considering the materials were nothing more than trash hours before.

[@antoniahowell]

Do you know the name of the factory?

[@AlexCren1]

I don’t remember the name she told me when she got hers, but the video is about Ocean Sole in Nairobi Kenya. I doubt there are two companies doing this work so it has to be the same place.

[@boyka1231]

Ocean Sole

[@ahroromonliqov1246]

@@boyka1231 чм

[@strawberryhun]

I would like to get a giraffe??? Any way too get one without going to Kenya?

[@wing3789]

I really love this type of business model. It's tackling multiple issues. It's cleaning up the beaches and repurposing material, it's helping the wood carvers pivot to a new job to sustain themselves, it's giving others without the skills a means of earning a living by harvesting the flip flops, it's bringing awareness to damage of purchasing and feeding the demand for foam flip flops. Also props for them actually wearing masks while sanding. Health concerns can often be ignored in poor areas.

[@hannahsutherland5518]

This was beautifully written 🙂

[@wing3789]

@@hannahsutherland5518 thanks! this is something important to me. I sincerely believe that profit and sustainability doesn't have to contradict each other. In fact, it just makes so much more sense to create businesses that can consistently provide value to all parties involved! But the thirst for power flips it all around where large corporations are driven by profit, regardless of how short term or at other long term costs. Money is just a tool, it's the means to an end, not the end itself! Money is not evil, greed is.

[@dancer_much]

AND they repurpose the flip flop shavings into mattresses that they donate to a refugee effort in Northern Kenya. Wild 🤯

[@renzwaschka1751]

It also helps lower consumerism rates! :)

[@renzwaschka1751]

@@wing3789 I love this! I 100% agree! I work in finance and this is something I try to do all the time!

[@TheChemistryGirl]

These people are mad talented. I love the Africans who protect their lands and animals from poachers and climate. I would love to see Africa one day but its so big! Sincerely, an Armenian.

[@Arcaryon]

Hard work & talent. Talent alone rare leads anywhere.

[@Somedude20282]

Me too! I would love to go see some of the nature reserves and view all the different cultures from country to country :)

[@tanet]

No need to visit all of it😂

[@zoe6174]

@@tanet It would be cool, tho 😄

[@joykim9970]

Just start with a couple of countries! Kenya and Tanzania would be a great start as they are adjacent to each other and have amazing beaches and safaris!

[@ImDaRealBoi]

Love how nothing is gone to waste in the work process. The flipflops? Turned into art. The extra bits? Matresses for those in need. Even the talented workers, who might otherwise have struggled in the current world now have a new medium to practice on. Awesome work.

[@thejeffertonshow929]

flip flop matress gotta be uncomfortable 💀🪦

[@mangomariel]

@@thejeffertonshow929 I think it`s more like a base mattress used with other things to soften up. Or like a mattress to have one hikes. I have this ugly ass grey brown hiking matress, probably made from the exact same material as those flipperz. Much rather have one of these colorful ones.

[@CandiceGoddard]

So when people throw that ugly crap away because we move away from the Ronald MacDonald colours what will we do with the waste then? It's a fashion trend. That's entirely it.

[@Norinia]

@@CandiceGoddardike the trend of ‘modern can only be white *everything’?* Because *that* trend was ugly AF

[@Randomsyrianfella]

@@thejeffertonshow929better than the hard floor at least

[@Katarina23]

This makes me proud to be a Kenyan. Well done guys. God bless you

[@amenazanzibarwalla]

That is so true. I love seeing Kenyan artists, companies and environmentalists being represented 😊

[@MrCoconutcat]

Be happy and proud to be kenyan what a blessing everyone has great blessings but this is a very pretty beautiful 😍 one and the mattresses they make from the sculptures shavings is cool also

[@gollum8821]

@@oceansole you people create beautiful things😍

[@sunnyuptown.7109]

🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@Tahia213]

As a fellow African from Algeria, this makes me proud too. Well done to all of those involved in this type of environmentally, yet prosperous businesses !

[@adflix424]

This is some insane upcycling & value addition. The artistic component is really commendable

[@AriesSupertramp]

I just fear that all the particles that are created during the process will enter the environment.

[@vez3834]

@@AriesSupertramp True. The sanding process especially produces a lot of microplastics.

[@MrMaboboz]

@@AriesSupertramp leaving them in the ocean will cause much more damage.

[@StormShadow743]

@@AriesSupertramp it’s all done indoors, I’m sure they know what they’re doing

[@Founderschannel123]

@@MrMaboboz they can literally take those plastic bita and put them into mattresses

[@glaireacupicop]

As a Filipino, I’m so sorry for our garbage reaching your beautiful beaches!!!!! Kenya is very innovative, so creative. Hopefully we can stop fighting (within our nation) and heal both our mother nature and people.. 🙌

[@kawaiibebsy2768]

Halaa fellow netizen nagulat nga rin ako 😮

[@krisg5078]

tbh every beach ive been to has lots of trash. I always pick up my own and others trash. Why can’t people stop littering? 😭😭😭😭 Its so embarrassing that our trash reaches other countries and they have to fix our messes…..

[@abesapien9930]

Why are you sorry? Apparently they are able to use it for their benefit.

[@kamote1935]

Grabehan naman yung from Philippines? Anlayo naman masyado nun lol

[@lysndtrn]

@@kamote1935 napaghahalataan na di ka nanood or nakinig minention na nga philippines sa video pabida ka pa sa comment section lmao 😂

[@BalorBallora]

there arent words for how much i love this. they don't seem to be overworking themselves, theyre doing what they love without the splinters, AND cleaning the environment? not to mention theyre repurposing product instead of chopping down trees to make new ones.

[@redschafer7804]

you can really compare trees are a renewable as you can plant more trees to replace the ones you cut down

[@MinishMilly]

@@redschafer7804 Trees take a lot of time to grow though. And if you plant monoculture lands with one specific kind of tree, that's harmful too. So we can't really plant+grow as fast as we can chop down.

[@redschafer7804]

@@MinishMilly not as long as you think most pine trees only take a minimum of 5 years to grow to maturity thats not a long time at all and i'm sure that in other parts of the world there are trees that can grow even faster.

[@redschafer7804]

your lucky if you can get them them to live maybe ten years before the pine bark Beatles and other pest kill them. ya i used to sell them for 4H projects you have some that grow slow and might live a long time and other like the eastern yellow pine tree here in the US can grow a foot a year they get really tall really quick so it really depends on what you going to to use them for as to how long you have to wait before you can cut them down.

[@murmuringvoice]

I've seen these sculptures plenty of times but never learned where they were from or how they were made. Thank you for this peek into how it is keeping a skilled trade alive while making art out of what was considered useless waste.

[@elmidahiradam]

I just went on a vacation to kenya and now I’m in dubai going on the airplane today

[@windowschips]

@@elmidahiradam didn’t ask

[@CK30585]

@@windowschips lol …

[@elmidahiradam]

@@windowschips didn’t ask for your opinion

[@thegamingwolf5612]

@@elmidahiradam didn't ask for your response

[@ChooaBunny]

I really wish they set up a shop here in Brazil, this is such a great idea. We do have a massive flip-flops problem and those sculptures work really well as shop decorations because they fit our country's vibe. I'm also sure tourists would love to buy those, they are such cute souvenirs!

[@jingyasun6292]

set one up yourself then

[@empowered.teachers]

Simmmm

[@gabbieh5680]

concordo!!

[@laarrsiavelli]

Do it, see what it takes... !!!

[@malu-jj5ls]

I’m all for ir, I have tons of broken slippers here, I will learn a little more about

[@anatoliagolden-hall4553]

I love how clever humans can be when they think outside of the box. These artisans don’t have all of the bells and whistles that other artists have, yet they’re end product is exemplary. Great job, everyone 👏👏👏

[@grylltheonion]

I love how vibrant the models are.

[@Random_entity34]

Their* "they're" is short for "they are".

[@Éar·Pīece]

We aint that smart to know the effect if out actions sadly

[@nicstirm7376]

This is an amazing way to make something out of trash! I hope this is something that inspires others to do things like this to help the environment in their own way!

[@irenedavo3768]

Do you watch Jim Nduruchi

[@edisontesla3932]

Sorry, I have to disagree. The business adds more pollution by using all that glue and power for the electrical tools. Plus, the bits and pieces especially the rubber dust that mixes with the soil, that too are very harmful. Imagine the diesel fuel the trolley burned just to deliver the life-size toy car. I say just collect the waste as they are and recycle it.

[@CaptainBread_]

@@edisontesla3932 Collect it and recycle it...? This is literally what recycling is.

[@edisontesla3932]

@@CaptainBread_ Recycling in the sense of re-processing them to form fresh materials as they were before being turned into flip flops. The one in the vid is repurposing and as can be observed, the bits and pieces turn into bite size pieces snacks for the unsuspecting fish, birds, and land animals plus the dust particles will mix with the soil.

[@entertainmentgaming8738]

@@edisontesla3932 not only that, but it’s not really cleaning anything up. The trash is still there taking up space . Only difference is it looks like an animal shape or something. It doesn’t help at all

[@lisagriffin8221]

As a Kenyan, I am proud on how creative my people can be!

[@robertcornelius3514]

It sounds more like Globalization is destroying your beaches.

[@Goldphool]

I'm not Kenyan, but I grew up with many and I am so proud of the ingenuity and generosity of a people who have (like all of Africa) been taken advantage of repeatedly but still managed to show the world they cannot be beaten.

[@lisagriffin8221]

@@Goldphool I agree!

[@anaraluca1181]

Indeed, what is a machine building industry compared to this unbelieavable creativity. LOL.

[@yellowcatmonkey]

as a human and cosmopolitan i deeply admire them✨i did nothing for the cause to be proud of them neither i consider myself to be a part of their labor just because i am also human🙈i think it is slightly offensive tbh those people are wonderful..♥️✨the work they do is delightful🌻

[@Iuventius]

Using old cultural art techniques while reducing waste! Wow, I'm so very happy for these people

[@scootergrant8683]

Well, it doesn't necessarily reduce waste. It just reduces how much waste sticks around in the natural environment.

[@user-jr7vc9dp7u]

Reducing waste is a problem for the corporations/governments/same thing of the world. They only care about money, not Gaia, our living planet.

[@cidar4750]

@@scootergrant8683 Only if you declare their art as waste, otherwise it is a reduction of waste.

[@dickiewongtk]

@@cidar4750 Yes. Art is waste, ecologically. Any plastic man-made thing is adding waste to the system, if not now, then 100 years later. Turning plastic rubbish in to plastic rubbish scrupture serve no other purpose other than making you feel better.

[@cidar4750]

@@dickiewongtk Then we have a different definition of waste.

[@astarte66]

This is hands down my favorite World Wide Waste video. I just love seeing what they have done to turn waste into treasure while keeping people employed. Looked like many of the people working there are very happy and proud of the work they collectively have done.

[@soulsolution99]

Not the first time hearing about this but glad for the reminder of how creative and resourceful Kenyan people are. Nobody wants this to wash up on their beaches but definitely the saying, 'One mans trash is another mans treasure' is being applied here.💯

[@irenedavo3768]

Do you watch Jim Nduruchi

[@emosijougavule2561]

This could be an inspiration for us Pacific Islanders, hope we could cope with these types of programs. Thanks Kenyan brothers and sisters, big love from Fiji.

[@dominartax7311]

What an amazing organisation! There's really a lot of thought that goes into every aspect of the business. I do hope that the workers are getting paid a fair wage esp the wood carvers for their talents and I hope they can offer more to the collectors in the future too, 30 cents a kilo for a light product doesn't seem much. Overall I'm very impressed and inspired by the beautiful products. I hope they can expand abroad or other countries are able to follow the same model.

[@virsapiensfortisest922]

I was thinking the same thing. They sell these for a lot of money in comparison to how much they pay their workers. I wish the woman who started it would turn it over and make it an employee owned business so they could really thrive.

[@getin3949]

I hope they have been provided with some NIOSH equipment because the dust isn't something to be taken into the lungs.

[@virsapiensfortisest922]

@@getin3949 agreed

[@cat-6]

I felt guilty about creating trash and was impressed by the art that could be created out of it. This is incomparably better than any avant-garde art.

[@GrassPossum]

This IS avante-garde art!

[@hairyballbastic8943]

theres nothing wrong with avant garde art made with trash as well. As long as something of no use becomes something of value its incredibly easy to make complicated and bizarre art using trash thanks to its wide variety of textures depending on what you look out for. the more ways people experiment with it the better

[@FunSkipping]

My problem is this is generating massive amounts of microplastic, they can't do anything with the powder from them sanding away at flip flop material, and that shit ends up in everything.

[@zabrinna6554]

@@FunSkipping My thoughts too

[@Nirrrina]

​@@FunSkipping Good point. They should set up some extractors where they're sanding that immediately suck it up as they sand. Then at least it won't go back out in the environment. I'm sure there's something that could be made with it too. Maybe even new sandals. Or another type of art. But if it's just left in the ocean it eventually breaks down until it's just tiny particles anyway. At least this way they get a lot of that out of there & they did say they have a shredder for the bigger leftover pieces to make mattresses with for refugees.

[@littleesecretss]

This is a small detail, but I’m really happy to see the workers wearing masks when sanding down the figurines! Protect them lungs

[@keslyajennifer]

until I noticed that they aren't wearing hearing protectors devices.

[@1234cheerful]

@@keslyajennifer Yeah. The speaker left the area because it was so loud.

[@josebaez7116]

I’m glad they were able to transfer their skill from wood into a waste product. They have some mad skills!

[@FunSkipping]

@@oceansole What happens to the powder you create? looks like only the cut and or shred pieces are used in mattresses.

[@RuMiJP]

@@FunSkipping no companies produces goods without waste materials.. at least the waste materials they've collected from the beach are reduced to tiny portion and they put them into the properly land fill or proper waste seggration areas.. it's better than us just watching youtube..

[@hajarmai4403]

they are soo inspiring. they dont even cause the pollution at their beaches but still they feel responsible for that problem and the idea behind it is just great. lots of respect to the workers and artists. i hope i can have one sculpture for myself some day

[@tonisumblin2719]

@@melissaschmitt2487 I couldn’t agree more.

[@csillairiszkovesdi6310]

One of my eyes is crying, the other is laughing. It's sad to see so much garbage, but the ingenuity of these people is fantastic and adorable. I hope the western world will also be able to wake up one day.

[@lkoyumil]

@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ c r i n g e

[@bigguy7353]

The western world doesn't create most of this trash. It's mostly Africa, India and China.

[@theharvinator]

@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ bruh

[@wickywills]

@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ “joyful songs” Something like “killing in the name” by Rage against the machine?

[@qfina]

[@kristenMur]

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to these people. Just imagine how they helped nature during the years of work there. It's just incredible! It's just a dream when people's business saves nature. If I see such a figurine, I will definitely buy it.

[@turcenoarthurjamil4364]

This business needs to go world wide....may Kenya and Africa prosper someday🤞♥️

[@DB-me7ol]

And centuries of colonial roadblocks too.

[@yuppy178]

We are prospering but the western world loves stealing from us

[@Shape890]

Not in the nearest future though

[@roxylius7550]

@@nicholasbyram296 and several hundred years of colonization and exploitation by europe and murica

[@turcenoarthurjamil4364]

@@yuppy178 come on stop accusing the West. They are even now helping african countries without condition, unlike the Communist China where it offers you loans and moneys and even them offering you tnemselves to build your project and in the end you can't pay the debt and then in just a blink of an ehe they are now controllig some parts of your country!!! How about that huh?!!!!

[@spectre9340]

I still find it ridiculous that poorer countries can do so much for the environment but the best richer countries can do is ban plastic straws and just making different environmental problems by replacing them with metal or silicone straws. I really hope these types of businesses take off or at least emulated by other countries just so that we can do the most we can to help the environment. I've already seen disposable party plates made of leaves, edible utensils and paper made from elephant poop.

[@beelzemobabbity]

It isnt the best they can do, it is the most they feel like doing. In poorer countries they tend to live right next to the problem, they see it every day. But in america for example, you dont really see it unless youre looking for it. Though it tends to be bigger projects on the grand scale like 4ocean and team trees.

[@Kino280]

I bet if you looked a bit you could find a few organizations with benefit to the environment in wealthier countries. If you mean to compare governmental actions like laws to a private company that's comparing apples to oranges.

[@UMD1]

Unfortunately this is real😓, they are really making efforts for the environment💔

[@ThisIsSolution]

Ban plastic straw wrapped in paper, now its paper straws wrapped in plastic

[@Makenza_]

@@ThisIsSolution wait for real?

[@ahmedtwahir]

I really like how the kids are the brains behind this whole idea that is now generating revenue, reducing waste and creating employment. It goes to show that kids think out of the box and their creativity should be encouraged and supported even more. I'm from Kenya and I remember when we used to play with toys that we constructed ourselves. We made toy cars from milk cartons and used bottle caps as wheels. At the farm we made bigger toy cars from molding a frame out of twigs and branches and using flipflops to make the tires. I remember using cigarette rappers as currency and using it when we played with marbles, that was our version of monopoly back then. We were young and creative. I wonder what happened. Another one is the flip flop expedition, a whole functioning sailing boat that was built in Lamu from flip flops!

[@So_Toasty]

This is incredible. The most impressive artists to me are the ones who somehow manage to transform waste and other low cost materials into something beautiful. It's almost like real-world alchemy.

[@Taytayrex]

This honestly makes me so happy, I love the beaches and it sucks to see them all reduced to nothing more than a garbage heap. I’m glad such wonderful people exist to do so many kind hearted things

[@MariaShadowSide]

This is so unique. I would love to purchase a sculpture like that!! they are colourful and lively. Really great. Also, instead of wasting natural resources like wood to create sculptures, they're using discarded flipflops and helping the environment and cleaning the earth!! Lovely work 👏👏👏

[@rachelcorwith8481]

I bought one from their website!

[@xa-1268]

@@rachelcorwith8481 what is the name of the website ?

[@gtl_gtl]

@@xa-1268 ocean sole 🙂

[@sharonanthony6338]

Kenya had also banned plastic shopping bags. Not sure if they're still banned.

[@boppins]

Had a smile on my face this whole video. Beautiful art, and I like to see the workers with good tools and masks. Amazing job Kenya!

[@aye3678]

Same! Couldn't help but smile. This is awesome and if it wasn't for this video, I wouldn't have known this exists!

[@darwinrucker8488]

Well said same

[@revn9203]

Must include ear protection as well

[@mluna1898]

I wish this video was longer! I can not thank these people enough! From the collectors, to the washing process, to the artists! THANK YOU!

[@danansc10]

Amazing! We need more projects like this around the world. To bring awareness about the environment to provide jobs to people and to maintain the traditional and also new art going

[@essech]

we also need to minimise the unnecessary buying

[@blueecho9792]

@@essech that is #1. I'm looking at you Americans.

[@sivingridborgersen2897]

These sculptures are truly amazing pieces. It's heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The problem of pollution, and somehow they transformed some of the problem into beauty and artistry.

[@ericcesarmorales1195]

This is an amazing way to repurpose flip flops. A few years back, I had the opportunity to speak with some of these artists, and they all said that they don't want people to think that they appreciate these flip flops. They would prefer that the flip flops didn't litter their beaches and destroy their environment.

[@theenlykvnhr5707]

AMAZING!! Kenya just works.Trash is literally turned to treasure. From repurposed flip-flops to clothes that help make high quality furniture to tires that become tree planters . Seems like there is a whole culture/industry based on saving the planet and that is very commendable

[@1Phaedra1]

This is so cool, and a solution to multiple problems! Cleaning up the beach, providing an alternative material for wood carvers to protect trees, using the scraps to make mattresses from refuge camps, and of course generating business and tourism and a whole new economic niche. Not to mention a beautiful way to show of Kenyan culture. Positive for the world in every way

[@Masood1810]

This isn't some cheap skilled product - these artists are so skilled and make such beautiful statues. And the it's also noble. I hope more of us buy these. If love to by the giraffe!

[@korwynze6288]

Seeing these people enjoying their job and when theyve finished a project theyre cheering, i love that. These people seem to be loving what they do, and it has such a creative outlet as well as improving the envoirement by taking harmful trash out of it. I want to support this! I think i'll save some coin for one of their lovely creations ^w^

[@joemwakiremba6289]

Thank you Business Insider for taking time to come to our Nairobi office and featuring our amazing story 👌

[@rune.theocracy]

That is absolutely incredible and I want one! This company is 100% legit down to the smallest safety precautions, I was worried they were sanding these sculptures without dust masks or respirators and I'm happy to see they are in fact wearing masks. A work environment that cherishes creativity and even health/safety all the while producing products that quite literally are helping the environment to provide jobs to the unemployed. Simply incredible and inspiring, I will most likely try to buy one online if I have the money.

[@_tuxedocat]

As a Canadian. This is really inspiring and informative. Sometimes it's hard to get an in understanding of amazing things being done across the world, and this helps put things into perspective for me. This is amazing!

[@user-io9hj9ip2d]

So amazing how they are able to turn a problem into art! The sculpures look so beautiful, they're helping to keep the oceans and environment clean and employing hardworking and talented artists. Hope more places like this can be setup all over the world.

[@irenedavo3768]

Do you watch Jim Nduruchi

[@user-io9hj9ip2d]

@@irenedavo3768 no? and i wish i hadn't googled that name...

[@elale8016]

Collecting waste, producing microplastic out of it by sculpting their art. I'm not sure, if that's really helping the situation.

[@atrixcanada7204]

I can't even explain how awesome this is, that near zero goes to waste here and that they just decided to 'do' this for the better and instead of wood carving which is harmful to the environment. Huge props to these people

[@dr_redbanRL]

Wood carving is not harmful. This is.

[@joylynch5204]

Such talent-incredible! My eyes were glued to their artwork the whole time, but when I saw the car my jaw dropped! The fact that they pay hardly any cost of materials (except 31 cents per kilogram for collecting) is amazing as well. I think more things should be made out of our waste.

[@yourworthy872]

Kenya 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪my beloved beautiful country how I miss you! it is 6 years since I left and every single day I mention my country because it is my home! I miss the white sand beaches in the coast to the busy life of Nairobi ! I actually miss shopping in Gikomba, muthurwa …. I miss taking the noisy matatu that boom with music ! I miss shopping groceries at mama mboga ! I miss the sun ! I miss being among people and not get noticed … I miss seeing the beautiful artwork displayed in the streets! I miss eating mutura, maindi choma , Kitheri, Omena , mukimo, mabuyu , … the list is endless..I miss home and I hope I will come back soon ! In the meantime I pray for peace ! Be peaceful our fellow Kenyans and take care of our beloved country ! Lots of love from 🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@Publicspeaking-xk4xx]

We don’t want you back. You leave us and say all these nice things. Why leave if you love it so much. It’s people like you who give our country a bad name.

[@UFO339]

Go to visit 😀

[@fikratimamumuiamwangi3662]

Wewe Rudi huku😁

[@yourworthy872]

Hehehe I have some business to finish first before I come back!

[@InkyTriip]

I have no words for how amazing this is, I'm an artist and seeing how colorful and beautifully sculpted each peace is magical, I wanna buy a small one for my bedroom :)

[@g.h.7661]

This is amazing. Not just cleaning up the beach, but taking an ugly thing that screws up the world and making it beautiful. It may be a small difference but it’s an inspiration to the rest of the world to do more. PS. My only problem with this is I feel bad for all the people who lost their shoes

[@frankwaldeck2359]

It’s shameful that “we” allow so much wasted crap to just float away thinking that it just disappears for us. I’m glad to see that they are doing something creative with it but I fear that with all the sanding and carving they’re creating tons of microscopic plastic/foam as a byproduct. I’m glad to see people working to keep the beaches clean also, but in another way it’s sad that they need too.

[@chihirostargazer6573]

Yes, also when they are sanding the plastic, even though most are wearing masks, some of that is still being inhaled, getting into their eyes etc. I don't like how they play some upbeat music in these "inspiring" videos trying to distract from the huge pollution problem human beings are causing. The sculptures are nice, but flip flops are just a tiny portion of and enormous pollution problem fueled by greed.

[@BallTripper]

What we know now about microplastics really throws a huge wrench in many upcycling products.

[@ewancook]

@@chihirostargazer6573 They can just wear eye protection and then there is no way micro plastics can get into their bodies, so this really isn’t a big problem. There’s ways to stop micro plastics while sanding getting into every other part of the body as well.

[@chihirostargazer6573]

@@ewancook and then the micro plastics go where? To the garbage? Into the environment? They are already everywhere...in water supplies, in food, even in salt you use to season your food. It's not good to mess around with micro plastics... what we need to do is stop using and producing plastic as much as possible and recycle the plastic we already have in a safe manner to ensure it doesn't get into the environment.

[@Jocy319]

@@chihirostargazer6573 y’all always find a problem w everything smh

[@Game_IT]

This is by far the most beautiful art I've seen from waste. So colorful! It will be a great view in places like Parks🥰

[@parihav]

The ingenuity that went into this is amazing. It's really encouraging to see so many initiatives coming from Africa regarding recycling plastics into bricks, art and other usable products.

[@ArtisticCeleste]

I think these are wonderful! Finds a creative way to use what otherwise would've been waste, gives these talented artists fresh materials to work with again, lets the collectors earn a bit of much needed extra income, creates materials to fill mattresses for those in need, and lets people buy a colorful piece of art to display!

[@_anindith_]

A huge respect to the workers there who are risking their lives cause of the toxic dust of these sandals 👍🏽 .They have beautiful lands and they know how to keep it clean. India must learn......

[@hairyballbastic8943]

Do you make art?

[@MrJohnestall]

Causing off cut bits and dust so much more pollution

[@noyoucannot]

@@MrJohnestall in the video they say bits are pressed into mattresses

[@jm2307]

@@noyoucannot yea but people like John only look for things to criticize. That’s the only value they contribute to society

[@noyoucannot]

@@jm2307 i don't think so, let's be kind to each other

[@jorhodes8507]

This is amazing it's unfortunate that this is the issue that we're having with flip flops but the fact that they can actually turn it around and do something positive with it is absolutely beautiful. Hard-working people I wish they could be paid more for their time effort and talent.

[@biancasnc]

i was just in awe the whole time i was watching!! i love how the layer of colors give the sculpture such a unique look and makes it much more visually interesting. This concept is just so impressive to me and props to everyone who’s doing their part in this amazing work!!

[@promptmuhendisi]

This is so heart warming! I love African people. I had many friends from Africa, and they are childish, energetic, they know how to make money with discipline and also how to have fun. They like no other people in the West. They are definitely from special clay. Peace be upon you my friends. Thank you for the value you provided to the planet!

[@solomonikhuoria1526]

Crafting wonderful things from garbage while ridding the land of pollution is incredibly thoughtful. More power to your elbows!

[@rumpelpumpel7687]

mesmerizing colour patterns, beautiful and accurate vivid shaping... those sculptures are incredibly well done

[@goldenmagnolia333]

Thank you Kenya! You truly are a role model for the world to see. Beautiful art. ♥️

[@clatowett]

Thank you, I feel personally honoured with all the comments here. Proudly Kenyan! Proudly a global citizen!

[@msg3211]

Amazing team work. The joy of making those art pieces and making sure they are all shipped to their customers is evident.

[@michellebruton6287]

This is fantastic !!! Beautiful art !! And loving Mother Earth at the same time. I make slippers and sandals from offcuts of fabric that got discarded by an upholsterer and leftovers from my own sewing and crochet, and I use old flipflops, when I can get them, as the soles to these shoes. But I never thought to look for them on the beach ( I live in the Eastern Cape, South Africa ). Time to go beachcombing. Well done to all those amazing artists.

[@ADCFproductions]

That's a great idea as well! :)

[@endinodaya1842]

If I ever get to visit Kenya, I won't go home without buying one of that master piece.

[@LiquoriceGold]

This is one of the best episodes I've seen so far with repurposed materials. This is so creative, artistic, and purposeful.

[@shreyaagarwal7682]

Not only is this amazing and inspiring because of the unique way they are dealing with waste, but the artisans creating such amazing pieces of art is just amazing beyond words. ❤️

[@techster8650]

Here comes a stupid girl They are producing micro plastics which are more dangerous

[@dupiti1033]

Visited once a few years ago, they make absolutely beautiful works out of scraps of sandals! It's amazing. Got a tiny lion with me! Next week I'm going to work with a company that does something similar, hoping to learn much!

[@alyspercormanes3660]

This is so wonderful ❤️❤️❤️ Your impact on reducing waste, the opportunities you give to people for making money, and just the pure talent of your artists. 🙏🥺

[@bettymukami]

Kudos to this team and best wishes to you. It makes me proud to be Kenyan. Let's make the world a better place, one flip flop at a time

[@abdikadirabdi8503]

Umenena ukeli wallahi....I wish our government finds a way to help the highly talented artisans of Kenya.

[@35mmonrose]

this is absolutely amazing. so inspiring seeing these people and artists mobilize to keep their beaches clean

[@GrassPossum]

I recycle and produce art from plastic waste in our kayak roto-moulding factory. It's a truly enjoyable pastime and people love it. This is some next level stuff.

[@feloniousbutterfly]

Wow, these artists are SO TALENTED at carving! Beautiful! Upcycled garbage into art is a wonderful thing.

[@samanthaoakes6445]

I love seeing people working with integrity to make our world a better place. It's very inspiring and heart warming ♥️

[@willienelsongonzalez4609]

Love this series from Business Insider. Turning those flip flops into artwork/animals is such a brilliant and novel solution! Well done Ocean Sole!

[@howler6490]

I lived and worked in Africa for 30 years and the ability of the people to re-cycle or re-use "scrap" is amazing. Sculpture and toys from old flipflops, rugs from sweet wrappers, shoulder bags from tires...the list is endless. Anything to make a buck.

[@pequena_ninera]

That is amazing to me. I love that they are turning it into art and useful things. Whoever thought it up is a genius. I'm glad it's helping to clean up Kenya's beaches and turning the flip flops into something wonderful.

[@micheleramoskihara]

Woooow! That's the first time I see this kind of art. They are showing their talent to the world, bringing profits to their community and helping the environment. Amazing.

[@harisht45]

Started my day with this video . So much positive energy in pessimistic negative news world .

[@beeee4249]

It fills my heart with joy to see how dedicated they are to their craft.

[@kurono122]

This has actually inspired me. I think I plan to go door to door at the college dorms to collect plastic bags and use them in my own art from now on

[@TiredMomma]

This reminds me of a problem we have here in the US, a severe lack of places to bring recycling to. Rural areas have no recycling services. One company who services the town next to us, and already had a truck that came out here to get trash from a dumpster, would not budge to let us have recycling services. So, we knew about a certain dumbster in that town that collects recycling and the businesses that use it hardly had anything in it. So we secretly had someone out here bring recyclable items into town. A few short years later, word slipped and the town said they would either get rid of the dumpster, which would make more recyclable items go to landfill, or they'd put the dumpster secured with fencing and a camera around it. So they secured it but now there's more recyclable items going to the landfill again. It gets worse sadly. So the company who takes the recycling and the towns trash, shut down pick up for 2-3 weeks. Apparently this did not just affect the town but many towns and a whole city! They had issues from employment to having too much trash brought in. Well, if we could have more ways to recycle that'd help, but also to put pressure on companies to change the products they use to either use less plastic or better biodegradable materials. A lot of pressure needs to be put on retail stores! Btw, Aldi's hasn't been using plastic bags for a really long time, so what is Walmart or Targets excuss for still buying and using plastic bags when Aldi's has proven you can have sturdy paper bags, and many bring their bags to the store with them so they don't have to buy new ones, which helps reduce more paper bags needed, which helps reduce trees needed. It also helps that paper bags can be 100% recyclable (as long as they aren't contaminated with chemicals like oil, grease, etc). What I wanted to get at is from a lack of recycling in our area, I started doing plastic bottle flowers. 2 large trash bags can be filled up by 2 weeks with the many plastic materials that get tossed out, like from a family household of 3 or more people. Lids I found fun to turn into things especially a lady bug, caterpillar, an ant or a spider. Of a face can be painted onto them, or the lids can be used to create an animals face, like a pig or a lion. I felt overwhelmed with how much material I could use to create with. There's too much plastics being used, especially one time use plastics. I may have stumbled across combining 2 organic materials to create a new glue, or used for biodegradable molds, or both, and they don't get moldy, and dry in less than 30min.

[@cristoaldantes3222]

I feel you. A lot of times we aren't given a choice not to use single use plastics or recycle our products since it's too confusing with all the different types of single use plastics.

[@winnielove3291]

This is such a super cool way to repurpose other peoples “trash” I love the work that’s being done here, and they’re so beautiful!!

[@9MT6]

This is very impressive and I admire their talents and creativity. I just hope that they have some sort of a vacuum to deal with the dusts. Large plastic trash can be harsh for the environment but micro plastic is going to be a huge health danger to us human and animals as well.

[@CainXVII]

And your nostrils when you work in that, speaking from experience.

[@MetalheadAndNerd]

What a question to ask. We removed lead from solder to protect Africans who burn circuit boards to collect the copper from the traces. Of course they don't have any vacuum or fume extractor. Therefore the EU will soon make new regulations for flip flops so they can be reworked with less dust and nicer colors for artworks.

[@JAKOB1977]

They look suppresinly good and really tantalizing that colorplay..no wonder they go as hotcakes.. well done.

[@adiidi]

Wow, they are such incredibly beautiful sculptures! Hopefully this business can expand worldwide and help oceans even more.

[@Miyahideko]

I love how colorful these are! And the big sculptures like that buffalo are just incredible!

[@Onyourfelines._.]

Wow... they're so talented...and the efforts they're takin' in saving their environment and also they have works to do for their living.... it's feels so great to see all these.....

[@jusjetz]

I bought a flip flop foam Elephant 🐘 Sculpture from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Gift Shop. And it’s really beautiful. And it’s worth it. I should probably collect more of these eventually.

[@erikad0511]

Such a beautiful, creative way to recycle our crappy shoes, love it.... employees seem happy, Gov loves it...plus using the lil bits left for mattresses, great ideas!

[@MegaBladerunner007]

What amazing works of art and unlike flip flops, they won't become worn and become disposable.

[@LeHaFu]

So beautiful art!! Can't believe it's made from flip-flops lost in beaches. Admire so mich their gestures and talents

[@eternal_seokjin7441]

Business perspective, good business, no problem with supply, quite popular and only worried about payroll and other expenses. Humanitarian perspective, helping the environment, love it! Artist perspective, I saw the Giraffe's face and I could personally say it's of quality. Gold mine of an idea.

[@MarkDean47]

This is cool, you never know what innovation humans are capable of. Bravo for helping to clean the earth!

[@drfaizahash]

This company is amazing. I hope this could be done worldwide. So happy :D

[@usagi32211]

I was so excited to find out that the one store in the US is about 30 minutes away from me. I'm definitely going to go check these out!

[@lateve6243]

I don't want to complain about that project but everytime I see people working plastics with saws, grinders and sanders I can't help but think about the amount of microplastics created.

[@hikazayanikushi9086]

I was in awe throughout the whole video. I hope to buy from them someday to both support and appreciate such inspiring artistry

[@robinaanstey3734]

This is simply amazing!! The effort, art, work, organizing and environmental planning and execution is just beautiful. TY for sharing this incredible video. I had no idea these sculptures were made of flipflops.

[@somekindofflower2024]

Amazing! Not only they protect the environment, they are also super talented and creative. Awesome work! Made my day ❤️

[@ЖаннаЖанна-н8с]

The greatest business. Thank those beautiful people for saving us

[@Tina_Vienna]

Incredible people and talents! Wished the whole world existed of such wonderful people ♥️