Flipflopi: How a Boat Made from Flip-Flops Is Helping to Save the Ocean

Juma is excited to go fishing with his grandfather, Babu Ali. But when they get to the beach, they find the sand covered in plastic pollution--flip-flops, plastic straws, toothbrushes, bottles, and shopping bags. One of the flip-flops floating in on a wave looks like a boat. That gives Juma and Babu Ali an idea.

Based on the true story of the Kenyan dhow boat Flipflopi, this inspirational tale demonstrates how innovation, art, and determination can transform plastic pollution into something useful. In 2017, 30,000 flip-flops and other plastic waste items, all collected from the Kenyan coast, were melted, shaped, and carved into the dhow named Flipflopi. Weighing in at 7 tons, this boat is a testament to what can happen when awareness is turned into action.

Linda Ravin Lodding is an award-winning author of eight picture books, including Painting Pepette. When she's not writing, Linda is head of communications for a children's rights organization that focuses on a child's right to a healthy environment. Originally from New York, she now lives in Sweden.

Dipesh Pabari is an eco-leader, educator, waste plastic innovator, and one of the founders of the Flipflopi Expedition. He lives in Kenya.

Michael Machira Mwangi is a self-taught digital artist. He lives in Kenya.