Coastal Cleanup:
Collecting Ocean Bound Trash Off the Kenyan Coastline
At Ocean Sole, we are committed to turning flip-flop pollution–one every minute– into art and opportunity in Kenya, but our mission goes beyond art. We recognize the critical importance of maintaining clean beaches and waterways, not only for the beauty of these environments but for their vital role in supporting healthy ecosystems and communities in Kenya. The East African country of Kenya has over 300 miles(490km) of coastline on the Indian Ocean and 10 major rivers within the country, even the Nile! This country is big – two times the size of Arizona or two and ½ times the size of the UK!
The Importance of Beach Clean-Ups
Beach clean-ups are essential because they directly remove waste that has accumulated on our shores. This waste comes from all over the countries bordering the Indian Ocean and hits our shores from the various tides. Ocean trash,, primarily plastic, not only spoils the natural beauty of our coastlines but also poses severe threats to wildlife–like sea turtles, fish, dolphins. Marine animals can ingest or become entangled in debris, leading to injury or death.
Moreover, it's alarming to note that "more than 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into our oceans every year" (United Nations Environment Programme). Clean beaches are safe and welcoming places for turtles to lay their eggs, people to visit, ensuring that local communities can continue to benefit from tourism and recreation, which are significant economic drivers in Kenya.
Dr. Sylvia Earle, a renowned marine biologist, emphasizes the value of clean shores: "Every piece of plastic removed from the beach is a victory for the vast, mysterious world beneath the waves."
Our Impact
Much of the pollution that ends up in the ocean begins its journey far from the coast, carried through rivers and other waterways. Kenya alone Cleaning up these ocean-bound channels is just as important as cleaning the beaches because it intercepts waste before it can reach the ocean.
By focusing on these areas, we help prevent the accumulation of trash in the ocean, which is much harder to extract once it disperses. This proactive approach not only helps protect marine life but also safeguards the health of our waterways and the communities that depend on them.
"Healthy waterways lead to a healthy ocean, and a healthy ocean is crucial for the survival of humanity," says Dr. Jane Goodall, a world-leading conservationist.
The Positive Impact of Our Clean-Ups
Every clean-up operation we conduct has immediate and long-term benefits:
For the Environment
We reduce the amount of pollution that can harm marine and riverine ecosystems, helping to preserve biodiversity and prevent damage to habitats.
For Wildlife
Cleaner habitats mean safer environments for wildlife, reducing the risk of harm from pollution.
For Communities
Clean beaches and waterways enhance the quality of life for local residents and improve the experience for visitors, which supports local economies.
JOIN US
Together, with your support, we can continue to make a difference. Every piece of trash removed from a beach or river is a step towards a healthier, more sustainable planet.