A confluence of ocean currents near Kenya's Kiunga Marine National Reserve washes in thousands of flip flops from around the world, turning the beach into a disaster site that nesting and hatching turtles navigate with extreme difficulty.

A local biologist and health worker established the UniquEco brand as a way for local residents to earn money cleaning up the beaches. Women, men and teenagers collect tons of flip flops and creatively transform them into sculptures, jewelry and small gift items for vital fair trade wages.

This transformational project vibrantly represents the goal of fair trade: to create prosperous endeavors for people worldwide that advance the health of the Earth while increasing awareness and positive action.