The Flipflopi
Taking an African #plasticrevolution to the world!
We are the Flipflopi - a movement for change with a mission to end single-use plastic and lead a plastic-reuse revolution through education, sailing expeditions, positive storytelling and campaigns.
In 2017 on the island of Lamu, Kenya, using traditional dhow builders and techniques, we built the world’s very first 100% recycled plastic dhow (sailing boat) and covered it in 30,000 multicoloured flip flops - that’s how we got our name!
And in 2018 we completed our first ground-breaking expedition, sailing the Flipflopi over 500km from Lamu, Kenya to Zanzibar, Tanzania, stopping at 12 communities along the way...and we’ll continue sailing, with the hope that people around the world are inspired to fight the growing tide of plastic pollution.
What We Stand For
1. We are a circular economy project that inspires and embeds alternative uses of waste plastic that already exists in our environment
2. We advocate for an end to all single-use plastic.
3. We stand for positive African leadership on plastic and the environment– inspiring local solutions to a global problem.
4. We promote a plastic-reuse revolution: if waste plastic can be made into something as valuable as a boat, think what else we can make - let’s reuse, repurpose, recycle.
5. We believe in the power of positivity: because when people smile, they have already taken the first step to engage.
Our Pillars
EDUCATE
Through global platforms and partnerships we educate children, communities and the general public around single-use plastic and its impact on health, the environment, and the SDGs.
INNOVATE
Through innovation hubs and small-scale projects in Africa, we help embed circular economy solutions that give plastic a second life and bring wealth to communities.
INFLUENCE
Using locally relevant voices to influence policy makers and business to end single-use plastic, while creating a platform for local innovations, networks and practical initiatives that will cause systemic change.
Our Impact to Date
*Icon author attribution: Freepik
Where is the Boat Now?
After two years of traveling around East Africa, the Flipflopi dhow has finally returned to her ancestral home in Lamu, Kenya.
Take Action
We aren’t here to preach - but if you want to, there are many ways to join the #plasticrevolution movement.
FIGHT PLASTIC WASTE
Constructing a boat with recycled plastic and flip-flops isn’t an easy task .... but you don’t have to build a plastic dhow to make a difference. Lots of small individual actions can also have a big impact on the planet. The more people who join the #plasticrevolution and take action, the more we can do for the world’s oceans!
SIGN THE PETITION
We are calling for all the EAC Member States to reach regional consensus and take a leadership stance by adopting legislation to address single-use plastic and ban the most destructive, useless plastics – those that can’t be recycled and are non-essential to human survival – such as cotton buds, cutlery, disposable cups, and plastic straws.
DONATE
Your funds will be used directly to create the FlipFlopi innovation, from the collections of the plastic litter, to the recycling process, manufacture and build of a 50-tonne boat, and employment of the local boat building team.
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