A series that runs every Tuesday, where I ask questions unrelated to the environment, fair trade, or local politics that I’ve been wondering about but haven’t been able to google the answers to. Any advice is appreciated.

Saturday was a busy day: I took calls at KCRW, partied with the LA Greens, outbid people at a fundraiser — then went to Gotham Hall and danced and danced –

And somehow I broke a flip flop, around 2 am, back at Summer’s place. I’d had those since college! :(

So — I need new flippies, and need you to help me pick them out! In the running are:

Lazy Boy Flip Flop from Splaff Flops. These recycled, handcrafted flippies are made with used race car tires and bicycle inner tubes, regupol — apparently a cushioning material made from used tires which have been chipped and pressed into mats — and hemp. $42 for the version shown here, $38 for an all-black version. Downside — I think the other flippies are cuter.

Toe Foo from Simple Shoes. These cute flippies are made of eco-friendly jute, crepe rubber, and cork by a Cali company :) Downside — They cost $50 — way more than what I’ve ever paid for a pair of flip flops before.

Fatima’s Tsong Thong from No Sweat. 30% of profits for these fair trade flippies go to rebuilding schools in tsunami-devastated Aceh, Indonesia and to a scholarship fund for Fatima, the 10-year-old who designed the flippies. Now just $12.75! Downside: These flippies’re made of unrecycled plastic straps and rubber based eva.

What’s your vote? Or do you know of other flip flops I should consider?

Update, 8/23/06: I was gonna go with Toe Foo until Jasmin intro’d these hemp ones (left). I like the heel! But I’m also afraid they may be too heavy — Will try to find out what the heel’s made of –

Update, 8/28/06: I got Toe Foo!

Update, 10/17/08: The Toe Foos got totally worn out — So now I’m wearing Ocean Minded flip flops.

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