We are The Flipflopi Project
AN EAST AFRICAN MOVEMENT WITH A MISSION TO END SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
AND ENSURE ALL OTHER PLASTICS BECOME PART OF A CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Karibu!
We are The Flipflopi Project - an East African movement with a mission to end single-use plastic and ensure all other plastics are part of a circular economy.
Since 2019 we have been sailing Flipflopi Ndogo -the world’s first recycled plastic sailing dhow - on expeditions - bringing international awareness to plastic pollution, engaging East Africans in alternative ways to use waste plastic, and advocating for regional legislative action.
We are applying our ‘full systems approach’ to end plastic pollution by through working with remote shoreline communities to “close the loop” on waste plastics: recovering and recycling waste plastics to manufacture sustainable solutions including artisanal boats and traditional furniture that are all rooted in local heritage.
OUR VISION
To end single-use plastics and ensure all other plastics are part of a circular economy
OUR MISSION
We’re pioneering sustainable solutions to end plastic pollution in remote shoreline communities through community-driven circular solutions rooted in local heritage
INNOVATING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
We are pioneering circular solutions to avoid plastic pollution together with the community, manufacturing furniture and boats rooted in local heritage bringing economic returns and employment to the community
Reducing plastic waste on small islands
We established the first-of-it’s-kind plastic recovery centre and recycling facility for Lamu County serving 60% of the archipelago population.
Boat building centre of excellence
The core of who we are - spearheading innovation through R&D, craftsman training, and sustainable boat building, fusing tradition with cutting-edge sustainability.
Creating sustainable heritage furniture
From hand carved frames to a Swahili throne made for King Charles, our team of artisans meticulously craft durable furnishings from recycled plastic.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
Our approach recognises Africa's inherent circular economy potential, leveraging reuse and repair culture while addressing education gaps and preserving indigenous craftsmanship.
Training centre
Our Training Centre offers practical courses in traditional boat and furniture production using a circular economy approach with a focus on plastic reuse.
Community approach
We are putting the local community at the heart of our approach, through household waste management programmes and social welfare activities reducing the disproportionate burden of plastic pollution carried by lower income communities.
Evidence Based Practice
From marine litter research to qualitative social surveys, and continuous R&D, we are building sustainable and replicable solutions through informed and inclusive decision making.
ADVOCACY AND INFLUENCING POLICY CHANGE
We’re helping to drive policy action to ban all unnecessary single use plastics in Kenya and across East Africa. We have published a draft Bill together with the Africa Legal Network that will soon be tabled at the EA Legislative Assembly and have kickstarted a grassroots campaign.
EXPEDITIONS
Sailing expeditions have the power to scale up impact and draw international media attention like no other. With Flipflopi Ndogo we have undertaken three expeditions including circumnavigating the world’s most dangerous lake, Lake Victoria.
“The Flipflopi Project is playing a vital role in engaging the public at large in thinking about plastic differently. They have a colourful and innovative way of talking about the issue – and their message is really hitting home, reaching parts of the population that other initiatives seldom do.”
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