The Kenyan coast, a paradise of turquoise waters and sun-kissed beaches, hides a dark secret. Washed ashore by the tide, countless discarded flip-flops litter the shores, a testament to our throwaway culture and a growing threat to marine life. However, amidst this plastic pandemonium, a beacon of hope emerged.
Ocean Sole is a social enterprise that transforms this waste into vibrant art and functional products, tackling marine pollution while empowering local communities.

Founded by Julie Church, Ocean Sole was born from a simple observation. Witnessing children playing with discarded flip-flops as toys, Church envisioned a way to turn this environmental blight into an economic boon. Inspired, she encouraged mothers to collect the colorful plastic debris, transforming it into intricate sculptures and practical items like sandals, bags, and even furniture. This not only cleaned up the beaches but also provided a much-needed source of income for over 100 low-income Kenyans.

Ocean Sole’s impact extends far beyond individual wallets. Their ambitious goal is to recycle a million flip-flops annually, diverting plastic from landfills and preventing it from harming marine ecosystems. They also tackle another major pollutant, styrofoam, recycling over a ton every month. By substituting flip-flops for wood in their creations, they save over 500 trees each year, further contributing to environmental sustainability.

But Ocean Sole’s mission is not solely about environmental cleanup. It’s about community. The initiative provides a safety net for over 1,000 Kenyans, engaging fishermen, youth, and entrepreneurs in their ecosystem. They pay fair wages for collected flip-flops, invest in a welfare program for employees, and contribute 10-15% of their revenue to beach cleanups, vocational training, and conservation efforts.
Beyond the economic and environmental benefits, Ocean Sole’s vibrant creations serve as powerful visual reminders of the plastic pollution crisis. Each colorful sculpture, each intricately woven bag, tells a story of discarded waste transformed into art. These pieces, showcased in exhibitions and sold around the world, raise awareness about the issue, sparking conversations and inspiring action.

Ocean Sole’s story is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and compassion. It demonstrates that even the most daunting environmental challenges can be tackled through creativity, community engagement, and a commitment to sustainable practices. By turning trash into treasure, Ocean Sole is not only cleaning up our oceans but also building a brighter future for the people who call them home.