Flops are worn by over 1 billion people worldwide, as they are cheap and comfortable. But they often get lost in waves or drop off ships. So plastic ones can break down into microplastics, and get ingested in marine wildlife.
Around 25% of all ocean waste is made up of plastic discarded flops. You can send any brand of plastic flops to Waves Flip Flops for recycling (and get a discount on your next pair). Ocean Sole is a Kenyan social enterprise that creates local jobs, by turning discarded flops into colourful art.
What Sets Natural Rubber Flops Apart?
Natural rubber comes from the sap of rubber trees, a gentle white liquid known as latex. Unlike plastic, which is made from oil, natural rubber is renewable. Rubber trees keep giving latex year after year without cutting them down. With no harsh chemicals or fossil fuels, the material feels soft, flexible, and friendly on bare skin.
A big plus for natural rubber is its biodegradability. Drop a plastic flip-flop into nature and it can outlast a human life, slowly breaking into microplastics. Drop a natural rubber flip-flop – eventually, it returns to the earth without a trace.
The Problem with Plastic Flip-Flops
Let’s be honest, plastic flip-flops are cheap and everywhere. But their true cost lingers long after you’ve tossed them out.
- They often end up as litter on beaches, breaking into tiny particles that last for hundreds of years.
- Plastics release microplastics, which find their way into water, sand, and fish. These particles are nearly impossible to clean up and can enter our food chain.
- Most plastic flip-flops aren’t strong and break easily, leading to frequent throwaway habits.
Ocean pollution from abandoned plastic flip-flops is a growing concern. Some beaches are covered with them, a stark reminder of waste out of sight but not out of mind.
How Natural Rubber Is Harvested Sustainably
Natural rubber comes from tapping mature rubber trees, usually on small family farms in tropical regions. Workers make careful slits in the bark, and latex seeps out without killing or hurting the tree. This gentle method means rubber trees stay healthy and productive for over 20 years.
Many natural rubber flip-flop brands support Fair Trade certification, which guarantees workers fair pay and safer jobs. Look for schemes like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), which ensure that rubber plantations protect native forests and wildlife. Responsible harvesting keeps forests alive, giving local communities an income while looking after nature.
Why Rubber Flip-Flops Feel Better
Plastic flip-flops can rub, pinch, and cause blisters. That’s not just annoying – it can be an allergy risk for sensitive skin, too. Natural rubber flip-flops outshine them in every way that matters:
- Softer base gently cushions your feet, reducing impact and sore spots.
- Flexible material moves with your steps for a feeling that’s closer to walking barefoot.
- No plastic toxins or skin-irritating chemicals, so you can forget about red or itchy feet.
- Some rubber flip-flops are shaped for arch support, unlike flat plastic pairs that offer little help.
Wearing natural rubber feels like a soft handshake with each stride. They’re quietly supportive, comfortable in wet or dry weather, and last through endless strolls without losing their bounce.
Why Choose Natural Rubber Flip-Flops?
Every pair of plastic flip-flops swapped for rubber ones chips away at a mountain of waste. The benefits go beyond the bin, though.
Natural rubber production usually involves lower emissions, uses less water and avoids hard-to-recycle materials. Once you’re done with them, rubber flip-flops start to break down in months, not centuries.
Switching to natural rubber is an easy habit that helps the planet, supports rural growers, and keeps your feet healthy – all in one step.
Reducing Ocean Pollution and Waste
Plastic flip-flops are a top item found during beach clean-ups worldwide. Fish, sea turtles, and birds can mistake them for food or get tangled, with tragic results.
Natural rubber flip-flops limit this disaster. If lost at sea or on land, they break down naturally, avoiding long-lasting harm. Imagine beaches where shells outnumber plastic sandals—choosing natural rubber brings that vision closer.
Biodegradability and End of Life
What happens when your favourite rubber flip-flops finally wear out? Unlike plastic, they aren’t doomed to sit in a landfill for centuries. Here’s how they compare:
Natural rubber is rich in plant material, so when exposed to sunlight, warmth, and microbes, it slowly crumbles and vanishes. This benefits overburdened landfills, leaving less waste behind for the next generation.
Good Brands of Natural Rubber Flops
Sea Sense Flip Flops
Sea Sense Flip Flops are designed for comfort, choose one size up from your shoe size, to give a few extra millimetres at the front and back, to protect your feet. Made from natural rubber and free from toxic glues, they naturally biodegrade, at end of life.
The cushioned footbeds support the natural shape of your feet. Padding absorbs impact, which helps if you’re on rough paths or spend hours on your feet. The slight arch support also adds relief for people with tired feet.
The open-pored rubber and natural fibres, also let your feet breathe. And these flops dry fast, even after a paddle in the sea, or sudden rain. Sold in classic colours, and made Fair Trade, and sent in sustainable packaging.
Natural rubber flops are more comfortable. And you won’t (unlike plastic flops) get blisters, or sore points between your toes. It’s not good to wear flops all the time (it can cause flat feet). But when you do wear them, choose a better pair made from natural biodegradable rubber.
Waves Natural Rubber Flip Flops
Waves Flops are made from ethically-sourced rubber (a natural polymer, rather than synthetic polymers like PET, UPVC or EVA). You can also send back any brand to them for recycling (and get a discount on your next pair).
Natural rubber flops are more comfortable. And you won’t (unlike plastic flops) get blisters, or sore points between your toes. It’s not good to wear flops all the time (it can cause flat feet). But when you do wear them, choose a better pair made from natural biodegradable rubber.
Cork Flops (with Natural Rubber Base)
These natural cork flops are made by artisans in Bali, and are perfect for the pool, beach or lounging around at home. The natural rubber base has an excellent grip, so perfect for walking, sailing or pottering in the garden.
Cork is a lightweight and comfortable material that’s also easy to clean. It comes from stripping the bark of trees in Spain and Portugal every few years, so no trees are chopped down. Keeping the cork industry alive (in a world of plastic wine corks) is a good idea, to stop industry knocking down forests to build things.
Conclusion
Natural rubber flip-flops are more than a summertime shoe. They offer lasting comfort, support local farmers, and tread lightly on the planet. By breaking up with plastic and choosing natural rubber, you step into a greener future and protect your comfort at the same time.
Next time you’re shopping for sandals, remember – a small swap for your feet can mean a big step for our blue and green world. Choose better, walk lighter, and enjoy every sunny stride.
