Flip flops, are the world's most popular shoe. They are typically made from flexible plastic or rubber, and are popular because they are cheap, easy to wear, and can be easily slipped on and off. However, the environmental impact of flip flops made from synthetic materials, such as plastic, has led to a growing interest in more eco-friendly alternatives.
One option that has gained popularity in recent years is flip flops made from recycled ocean plastic or made from salvaged flip flops. On the surface, this may seem like a great solution to the problem of ocean plastic pollution; after all, recycling ocean plastic removes some plastic from the ocean in the first place, and it allows for the reuse of materials that would otherwise go to waste.
However, making flip flops from recycled ocean plastic is not necessarily good for the planet. Here are a few reasons why:
The process of recycling ocean plastic is resource-intensive. It requires energy to collect, sort, and transport the plastic, as well as to break down the fibers and create new materials. In some cases, the energy and resources required for this process may be more than those required to produce new materials from raw resources.
Recycled ocean plastic may not be of the same quality as new plastic. When plastic is recycled, the fibers are broken down and then blended together to create new materials. This can result in lower-quality materials that are more prone to issues like fading, pilling, and breaking. As a result, flip flops made from recycled ocean plastic may not be as durable or long-lasting as those made from new materials.
The demand for recycled ocean plastic may encourage the production of more plastic. If consumers are willing to pay a premium for flip flops made from recycled ocean plastic, this may create an incentive for companies to produce more plastic in order to have a supply of material to recycle. This could lead to an increase in overall plastic production, which is not good for the environment.
Recycling ocean plastic may not be the most effective solution to the problem of ocean plastic pollution. While recycling ocean plastic can help to reduce the amount of plastic in the ocean, it does not address the root cause of the problem: the production and use of plastic. In order to truly solve the problem of ocean plastic pollution, we need to reduce our overall consumption of plastic and find more sustainable alternatives.
In conclusion, while making flip flops from recycled ocean plastic may seem like a good solution to the problem of ocean plastic pollution, it is not necessarily the best choice for the planet. While recycling can be a positive way to reduce waste and protect the environment in many cases, it is important to carefully consider the environmental impact of recycled materials and to be aware that they may not always be the most sustainable option.
Sea Sense Flip Flops are always plastic-free, made from biodegradable natural rubber. We will always do things differently, and we are proud of that.