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Positive stories, interviews and experiences from Lamu Island.

Flipflopi: Sailing Towards a Circular Future with Recycled Plastic

In the heart of East Africa, a pioneering movement known as Flipflopi has set sail to combat plastic pollution through innovation, community engagement, and a commitment to a circular economy. At its helm is the world’s first 100% recycled plastic sailing dhow, a symbol of both heritage and modern sustainability.

Flipiflopi Roots: A Vision Ignited by Plastic Pollution

In 2015, Ben Morison, the founder of the Flipflopi project, was moved by the disheartening sight of plastic waste, particularly flip-flops, littering the pristine beaches he held dear. Inspired to make a change, Morison envisioned a unique approach – building a boat entirely from this plastic waste. This idea aimed not only to celebrate the traditional craft of dhow building embedded in Swahili culture but also to convey a positive message about the imperative need for change.

Teaming up with Ali Skanda, a renowned dhow builder from Lamu, and Dipesh Pabari, a passionate plastic pollution campaigner, the trio embarked on an ambitious project. They melded centuries-old boat-building techniques with innovative plastic recycling methods, crafting the components of the dhow from ten tonnes of plastic waste collected along the Kenyan coast.

The Flipflopi: A World-First Maritime Marvel

The result? “The Flipflopi,” a traditional sailing dhow measuring over nine meters in length and weighing seven tonnes. This extraordinary vessel, adorned with 30,000 flip-flops – the ubiquitous footwear of billions – stands as a testament to the power of transformation. Every flip-flop meticulously shaped and carved by the team, mirroring the craftsmanship traditionally reserved for wood.

A “Full-Systems” Approach to Combat Plastic Pollution

Flipflopi’s commitment extends beyond crafting a remarkable vessel. The movement employs a comprehensive strategy to combat plastic pollution, encompassing education, awareness campaigns, waste-plastic innovation rooted in heritage, and advocacy for legislative change. In 2022, Flipflopi was honored with the FCDO’s SMEP Grant, leading to the inception of a community-centered program in Lamu aimed at closing the loop on plastic waste.

Flipiflopi’s Mission: Bridging Heritage and Innovation for a Plastic-Free Tomorrow

At the core of Flipflopi’s mission is the use of heritage boat building and waste-plastic innovation to drive public engagement and policy action. The movement aims not only to ban all single-use plastics but also to ensure the integration of other plastics into a circular economy.

Global Problem, Local Action: Why Flipflopi Exists

Plastic pollution is a global menace, and Flipflopi recognizes that local efforts are integral to addressing this international crisis. For every piece of plastic removed from a Kenyan beach, the tide brings in five new pieces, emphasizing the need for both local awareness and global engagement.

As Flipflopi sails towards a circular future, this movement is not merely about a boat; it’s a symbol of hope, change, and the resilience of communities joining hands to tackle one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. To learn more about Flipflopi’s journey and its impact, explore their 5-year strategy and the 2022 Annual Impact Report.

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Frequently Asked Lamu Travel Questions:

International flights run daily into Nairobi and Mombassa. You will then need to arrange a local connecting flight to Lamu. 

You can get to Lamu Island in 3 ways. By air, overland or by boat. The easiest way to get to Lamu is via a short flight to the airport on Manda Island and then a short connecting boat ride to the island. 

A flight to the island from Wilson Airport in Nairobi is the easiest. 

No. There are no cars on the island (which is brilliant). You can get around on a boat, on foot, on a donkey or the occasional motorbike. 

Every traveler who wants to cross the Kenyan border must have a separate visa. Apply online for your Kenyan visa here.

Generally you will get about on boats or walk. There are no cars which is lovely. We would recommend booking accommodation close to the beach if you have young children as it can be a bit difficult if you need to carry everyone.