Taking an African #plasticrevolution to the world!
We are Flipflopi - 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 - the world’s first recycled plastic sailing dhow - on expeditions having discovered her amazing convening ability to bring the media, policy-makers, communities, and plastic entrepreneurs together to make change happen. We have sailed from the Indian Ocean to Lake Victoria bringing awareness to the issue, engaging East Africans in alternative ways to use existing waste plastic, and demanding legislative action to ban single-use plastics.
Now, we are working with shoreline communities to “close the loop” by recovering and recycling waste plastics to upcycle into artisanal boats and traditional furniture rooted in indigenous heritage.
The Full Systems Approach
A holistic approach is critical to effectively and sustainably tackle plastic pollution, forming the core of our circular model:
1. We incentivise plastic waste recovery through community led recovery. Surveys demonstrate a significant reduction of accumulated plastics on beaches, mangroves and informal dumpsites, as well as a marked reduction in GHG emissions.
2. Social surveys have shown well-being and livelihood improvements for employees and collectors. A recent UNCTAD and UK-FCDO study showed our model as having a remarkable impact on health with a projected life gain of 24 years for every 1000 tons of recycled plastic.
3. Our vocational centre trains youth in carpentry and boatbuilding skills while teaching the core tenets of the circular economy. Through sensitisation and capacity building, we have seen a demonstrable improvement in the efficacy of community groups, witnessed behaviour change towards plastic consumption and waste disposal, participated in policy development with the local government and led efforts towards harmonisation of regional policy in the East African Community.
4: Our enterprise transforms waste plastic into products rooted in artisanal and maritime heritage. There has been expressed market demand over the last year, and interest from key stakeholders in investing in and replicating our model. Efforts to increase our financial sustainability, improve efficiency and identify opportunities for peer learning are being strengthened.
Our Pillars
EDUCATE
We are inspiring waste-plastic innovation and behavioural change through our heritage boatbuilding training centre courses, campaigns and partners around East Africa
INNOVATE
We are “closing the loop” on waste plastics through a community-centred recycling programme that builds furniture and sailing boats rooted in indigenous heritage
INFLUENCE
We campaign for the end of unnecessary single-use plastics through our advocacy programme and expeditions
Our Impact to Date
*Icon author attribution: Freepik
Where is the Boat Now?
After two international expeditions and reaching millions of people across East Africa, the Flipflopi has recently undergone a renovation and is back in Lamu, Kenya stronger and better than ever.
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. You too can join the PLASTIC REVOLUTION!
SIGN THE PETITION
We are calling for EAC Member States to reach regional consensus and adopt legislation to address single-use plastic and ban the most destructive, useless plastics – such as cotton buds, cutlery, disposable cups, and plastic straws.
DONATE
Your donations will go directly to research
and development into plastic boatbuilding, manufacturing Flipflopi Kubwa (“the big one”, and support community-led recycling, educational and innovation hubs
across East Africa
Latest from Our Blog
