At Ocean Sole, we are committed to turning flip-flop pollution into art and opportunity in Kenya, but our mission goes far beyond art. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to protect ecosystems, support communities, and create hope where plastic once caused harm. One of the most direct ways we do this is through our Coastal Cleanup Program, which removes ocean-bound trash from Kenya’s beaches and waterways.
Why Beach & River Cleanups Matter
Kenya’s coastline stretches more than 300 miles (490 km) along the Indian Ocean, and it is fed by 10 major rivers, including tributaries of the Nile. While beautiful and ecologically rich, these waters are under threat. Every year, more than 8 million tons of plastic enter our oceans (UNEP). Much of it washes onto Kenya’s shores, carried by tides from across the Indian Ocean.
The consequences are devastating:
- Marine animals like sea turtles, dolphins, and fish can mistake plastic for food or become entangled in it.
- Polluted beaches are unsafe for nesting turtles, children, and families.
- Coastal communities, many of which depend on tourism, suffer when beaches are unwelcoming and unsafe.
As Dr. Sylvia Earle reminds us, “Every piece of plastic removed from the beach is a victory for the vast, mysterious world beneath the waves.”
How We Approach Cleanups
At Ocean Sole, we tackle pollution at its source. Our teams and volunteers not only remove trash from beaches, but also intercept waste in rivers and waterways before it can ever reach the sea. This proactive approach is essential, because once plastic disperses into the ocean, it is nearly impossible to retrieve.
As world-leading conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall says: “Healthy waterways lead to a healthy ocean, and a healthy ocean is crucial for the survival of humanity.”
By cleaning beaches and rivers, we:
- Protect biodiversity by reducing harmful debris in critical habitats.
- Safeguard wildlife that might otherwise ingest or be trapped by plastic.
- Support communities and economies by keeping beaches safe, welcoming, and vibrant for tourism and recreation.
Our Impact in 2025 & What’s Next
So far in 2025, Ocean Sole has:
- Conducted 35 coastal cleanup events 🧹
- Collected more than 4 tonnes of ocean-bound trash from Kenya’s beaches and rivers🌍
- Intercepted thousands of discarded flip-flops before they could wash into the Indian Ocean 👣
- Engaged hundreds of community members and students in conservation education 💙
Our next goal is to expand our cleanup network along the coastline, especially in areas where marine wildlife is most at risk. By partnering with schools, fishermen, and local leaders, we aim to double the number of cleanups and protect even more critical habitats in 2025.
Every cleanup brings us one step closer to a healthier ocean.
Ocean Sole’s Nonprofit Commitment
Ocean Sole is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States, dedicated to supporting community, conservation, and creative impact in Kenya. Through funding, partnerships, and global awareness campaigns, the U.S. nonprofit empowers our Kenyan social enterprise to turn ocean waste into opportunity through art, dignified jobs, and environmental action. We don’t just create upcycled sculptures; we support a wide range of impact initiatives that uplift communities, protect marine life, and inspire global change.
✨ Every time you shop with Ocean Sole, you’re not just buying art — you’re helping clean beaches, protect wildlife, and support livelihoods in Kenya. Click here to Shop
🌍 Ocean Sole Programs at a Glance
At Ocean Sole, we don’t just make art from recycled flip-flops; we invest in people, planet, and purpose. Here’s how your support makes a difference across Kenya:
🐢 TurtleSafe Project: Protecting endangered sea turtles by hiring local rangers to safeguard nests, prevent poaching, and educate communities.
🌊 Coastal Cleanups: Removing tonnes of plastic and flip-flops from beaches and rivers before they reach the Indian Ocean.
🌱 Mangrove Planting: Partnering with The Leaf Charity to restore coastal forests, protect biodiversity, and fight climate change.
🌾 Community Garden (Ocean Mamaz): Empowering the Ocean Mamaz with food security, permaculture training, and sustainable income through Mama’s Miracle Grow compost.
Children’s Safe House & Upskilling Centre: Supporting 104 orphans and vulnerable children in Kilifi with vital resources. We provide sanitary towels for 40+ girls, clean water, weekly meals, art supplies, and a kitchen garden to grow vegetables, transforming a coral mine wasteland into a place of nourishment. This initiative builds dignity, health, and hope for children who need it most.
📚 Marine Education Outreach Program: Launched in 2024, this program partners with schools and the Safe House to embed ocean literacy, conservation skills, and creative recycling for children aged 5–12. Through storytelling, games, and hands-on activities, we nurture the next generation of ocean guardians.
💙 Ocean Sole CARES: Supporting our artisans and staff with healthcare, education, fair pay, and essential resources for their families.
✨ Every donation and every purchase fuels these programs, helping us clean oceans, protect wildlife, and create dignified jobs in Kenya.
