Brazilian equipment

Who says Brazil often think about the infamous Havaianas, the Hawaiians, in portuguese. We also felt we needed to get the right attire to fit in the crowd, to get the right moves on the streets, and to be simply more adequately equipped for the weather.  So after carefully examining the various styles and designs, debating on the value of Angry Bird over McQueen, or on the color combination of a model versus another one, two little pairs were carefully selected. We are now set!!

I remember viewing a documentary last year - probably something on Thalassa on TV5 - where the Havaianas factory in Campina Gande was visited. It was quite impressive. For now, the ones found in the store are fun, but I was expecting a little more extravagance or innovation. But again, I suspect I was not in the best place to see all special models. (we were in Walmart, yes I confess).
Tongs. Thinking and writing about them makes me also wonder. Here at the shoe repair guy, you can buy the loose straps, a way to lengthen the life of your favorite plastic sandals. Yet, with about 5 pairs a second coming out of the plant, 105 million a year, I can only wonder...
I remember walking on the petite côte of Senegal, south of Dakar, south of Joal-Fadiouth, on a beach between Palmarin and Djifer. The place was wonderful, deserted, almost a perfect landscape. Except for all the tongs lying on the sand, brought by the tides. The entire beach was covered by broken plastic footwear unloaded by the rough sea at every tide.  It was incredibly surprising and unexpected, yet powerful and evocative of the damage we are causing the environment with our lifestyle. It was landscape I cannot forget. Yet it did not prevent me to buy my kids a pair. 
I am wondering if some places on the Brazilian coast there is also an old sandal cemetery...