Kenyan islanders turn plastic waste into sustainable boats and furniture

On Lamu Island, off Kenya’s east coast, a remarkable initiative is turning plastic waste into a valuable resource for the local community. The Flipflopi Project, an NGO founded in 2016, is leading the way in upcycling plastic into boats and furniture, providing both an environmental solution and an economic lifeline for residents.

Usmail, a 47-year-old Lamu local, is among those collecting plastic waste to sell to the Flipflopi Project. “There used to be a lot of plastic waste in this area,” he says. “We collect the plastic and sell it to the organization for Ksh16 per kilogram, or about 16 cents. This is how we support our families and educate our children.”

The Flipflopi Project purchases plastic waste from locals with the help of grants from other NGOs. Co-founder Ali Skanda explains how the process works: “We buy plastic from the community, sort it by type and color, shred it into flakes, and then create plastic lumbers of different shapes. From those lumbers, we craft furniture and boats.”

In addition to upcycling plastic, the Flipflopi Project conducts research on improving recycling methods. Skanda notes that certain challenges, such as the use of additives in plastic and sun damage, can make recycling more difficult. Despite these obstacles, the project continues to innovate.

Since 2019, the Flipflopi Project has made history by launching what is claimed to be the world’s first sailing dhow made entirely from recycled plastic. The boat sailed from the Indian Ocean to Lake Victoria, demonstrating the potential of upcycled materials. Two additional boats have since been launched, showcasing the project’s ongoing success in sustainability and community empowerment.

Through its efforts, the Flipflopi Project is transforming Lamu’s plastic waste into opportunities, preserving the island’s environment and supporting local livelihoods.