At Ocean Sole, our mission goes far beyond art. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to protect ecosystems, uplift communities, and create hope where pollution once thrived. Alongside turning discarded flip-flops into vibrant sculptures, we are also restoring one of Kenya’s most important natural defenses: mangrove forests.
Through a partnership with The Leaf Charity, we are replanting and restoring mangroves in Kilifi County. Together with our volunteers, artisans, and the dedicated Ocean Mamaz group, we have already planted thousands of seedlings, helping protect Kenya’s coast and the communities who call it home.
Why Mangroves Matter
Mangroves may look humble, but they are powerhouses for the planet:
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🌱 Biodiversity hubs — Mangrove forests are nurseries for fish, crabs, birds, and countless other marine species. Without them, fish populations collapse and ecosystems unravel.
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🌊 Coastal protection — Their dense root systems act as natural seawalls, reducing erosion and buffering storms. In places like Tsavo, where floods wash pollution downstream into the ocean, mangroves could be the barrier that stops waste before it spreads.
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🌍 Climate resilience — Mangroves are among the world’s best carbon sinks, storing vast amounts of CO₂ in their soil and roots, helping to mitigate climate change.
As one of Kenya’s most vulnerable ecosystems, restoring mangroves is not just about saving trees — it’s about saving communities, oceans, and futures.
Our Impact in 2025 & What’s Next
Since launching our partnership in 2023, Ocean Sole has helped plant nearly 25,000 mangrove seedlings in Kilifi County. These trees are already beginning to stabilize coastlines, provide habitats, and trap carbon.
So far in 2025, we have:
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Funded and supported community-led mangrove planting events 🌱
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Collaborated on education seminars to spread awareness about the importance of mangroves 📚
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Engaged our artisans, volunteers, and Ocean Mamaz group in direct planting efforts 💪
Our next goal is to double the number of seedlings planted, restoring even more degraded areas along the Kenyan coastline and building a buffer against climate change.
Every seedling planted is a step toward healthier oceans, stronger communities, and a safer climate future.
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 planting mangroves, protecting coastlines, and supporting livelihoods in Kenya. Click here to view our 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:
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🐢 TurtleSafe Project — Protecting endangered sea turtles by hiring local rangers to safeguard nests, prevent poaching, and educate communities.
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🌊 Coastal Cleanups — Removing tonnes of plastic and flip-flops from beaches and rivers before they reach the Indian Ocean.
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🌱 Mangrove Planting — Partnering with The Leaf Charity to restore coastal forests, protect biodiversity, and fight climate change.
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🌾 Community Garden (Ocean Mamaz) — Empowering the Ocean Mamaz with food security, permaculture training, and sustainable income through Mama’s Miracle Grow compost.
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👧🏽 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.
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📚 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.
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💙 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.
