The sea turtle sanctuary in Colombia where plastic shoes go to die

Plastic shoes don’t biodegrade. What do you think happens to them?

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May 12, 2026 6:33am EDT

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In South America, beachside conservationists are opening Crocs libraries

There is a slip-on shoe many people will wear this spring that's made entirely of one molded petroleum-derived foam. We know you know it.

The thing is, it's plastic from the top of the strap to the tread on the sole, and when its wearer is done with it, it doesn’t go away.

At this sea turtle sanctuary in Utria National Park, on Colombia’s Pacific Coast, so many plastic slip-ons wash up on the beach, proprietor Mama Orbe has made landscaping features out of them. If you can find two your size, they’re yours to keep. More will be washing up on the shores of this stunning natural site by the day.

Shopping light-weight, breathable slip-ons this spring?

Consider all natural materials, with leather or natural rubber soles. What you wear should be made to last as long as you need it — and not any longer.