Flip Flop Decor

The flip flop is as common in Africa as socks are in the United States. It's standard footwear and many flip flops are lost while the residents are working on the beaches, fishing in the ocean, or simply walking around. Flip flops are grabbed by the waves and then wash back up on the African shores. This causes problems for the oceanic life in the area.

Citizens eventually figured out how to deal with this problem - the old "necessity is the mother of invention" saying comes to mind. Facing a huge ecological problem due to the number of flip flops washing onto their shores. The locals began to collect the washed up flip flops and process them into all sorts of art to be sold nationally.

In other locales, like Mexico, flip flop manufacturers provide the scraps of rubber left after making flip flops to artists for use in making decor and jewelry. They also give those scraps to other manufacturing operations for use in other products.

Photo used under Creative Commons from JoelBischoff.

All hand carved, these pieces of flip flop decor become the centerpiece of a child's room done in primary colors, the focal point in a college dorm room, or the display pieces in a collection of African art. Each piece of flip flop decor is different from the next because of the manual method in which these items are produced.

Recycled Flip Flop Bug - Kenya


Recycled Flip Flop Lobster - Kenya


Recycled Flip Flop Truck- Kenya

Flip flop jewelry, although made from the same materials as the bugs and cars, can have a more toned-down look, perfect for wearing to the beach or on a tropical island - even if you want to just pretend you're on a tropical island.

Recycled Flip Flop Sculpture Belt/Necklace - Kenya


Recycled Flip Flop Sculpture Belt/Necklace - Kenya


Recycled Flip Flop Bead Pendant Necklace - Kenya #1


Recycled Flip Flop Bead Pendant Necklace - Kenya #2


Recycled Flip Flop Bead Pendant Necklace - Kenya #8


Recycled Flip Flop Bead Bracelet - Blues


Recycled Flip Flop Blue and White Bead Earrings - Kenya

Americans can't resist our flip flops when the sun is out and cool, new designs are out now, too. And, no, we can't do with just one pair, either. We need them in all colors so we always have a pair to match our outfit.

PHOENIX-27BC107K - $ 22.98



BAMBINO - $ 9.97



BASIC FLIP WNS - $ 8.97



86834L - $ 25.98

Craft stores are loaded with supplies you can use to personalize your own flip flops. Add some rhinestones, gems, bows, ribbon, paint them or stencil on a print. This is great project for a girls' slumber party, a bridal shower, or a baby shower.

Photo used under Creative Commons from protoflux.

I consider myself pretty adept at using Google for research but I could not find a place to which I could donate my old flip flops for recycling. I did find some possible tips such as donating them to artificial turf companies and to Good Will who may or may not send them on to shoe recyclers. I also came across Earth 911 which gives recycling locations by zip code for all sorts of recyclable products. Alas, here in the Valley of the Sun, I couldn't find a place that would take my cast-off flip flops.