Flip Flops
Elizabeth Fisher
How it's Made
Flip flops are made from materials such as rubber, foam, plastic, leather, suede, and even fabric.
What it's Used For
Open-toed sandal typically worn in casual situations.
Environmental Impact
Flip flops made of polyurethane have caused some environmental concerns (polyurethane is a number 7 resin) therefore they can't be easily discarded or they will be in landfills for a very long time. Due to these concerns, some companies have started to sell flip-flops made from recycled rubber.
Repurposing
You can shred flip flops and use them for stuffing cushions or use the shreds as packing materials. Can be used as fishing floats or can be cut to size to fill gaps in doors.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Reduce: Reducing the production of polyurethane flip flops can help the environment.
Reuse: Flip flops can be used until you’re feet grow out of them and then they can be made into something else, such as cushioning.
Recycle: Depending on the type of flip flop, it can be recycled. If it is name from polyurethane, it cannot be recycled.
Works Cited
"Flip-flops." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2015.
Bloch, Michael. "Green Living Tips." Green Living Tips RSS. Green Living Tips, 22 May 2008. Web. 25 Apr. 2015.