Colin Snow
Plastic bags are a common household item that often end up in landfills, contributing to environmental concerns. However, they can be upcycled into something useful and beneficial for those in need. One such way is to turn them into sleeping mats, which provide a hygienic, waterproof, and easily transportable solution for those without access to shelter. These mats can be crocheted or woven, and several organizations, such as Midwest Mission, accept donations of these mats to distribute to the homeless or those affected by disasters. By recycling plastic bags into sleeping mats, you can not only help reduce waste but also provide comfort and support to individuals and organizations in need.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of plastic bags needed | 500-700 |
| Plastic bag preparation | Cut off the handles and the bottom seam so that you're left with a rectangle. This can then be cut into four strips that become loops when opened up. |
| Weaving technique | Over, under, over, under, over, under, etc. |
| Crochet technique | Basic larks head knot |
| Length | 6' |
| Width | 35" |
| Who to send the mats to | Charities, homeless shelters, Midwest Mission, Permanent Collection Sites, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
How to make plastic bag mats
Plastic bags are not accepted in home recycling bins, so they often end up in landfills. One way to recycle them is to weave or crochet them into mats. These mats can be used for camping, or by your pet, but the best use for them is to help a homeless individual who is sleeping on the ground.
To make a plastic bag mat, you will need around 500-700 plastic bags. First, cut off the handles and the bottom seam of the bags so that you are left with a rectangle. Cut this rectangle into four strips, which become loops when opened up. Next, hook the loops together with a basic larks head knot. Repeat this step. From here, you can start crocheting. You'll need approximately 42 chain stitches, and then continue crocheting until you reach your desired length.
If you are crocheting, you can make the bags into large balls and crochet the mats to measure 4 feet by 6 feet. If you are weaving, you will need to start at both sides of the mat and weave inwards. You will need to alternate the bags over and under each other until your row is about 35" long. This creates the width of your mat. The width can vary depending on who the mat is for. When you get to the end of a bag, attach another bag to it and continue.
When you get to the end of a row, braid the bags together with a 3-strand braid. Fold the braid alongside the mat and weave the four bags into the mat. This will create the length of the mat, which should be about 6 feet long.
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Organisations accepting plastic bag mat donations
The DreamWeave Alliance
The DreamWeave Alliance accepts donations of plastic mats made from plastic bags. These mats are then distributed to those in need. You can get in touch with the organisation via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DreamWeaveAlliance.
Stitching Hearts Worldwide
Stitching Hearts Worldwide is another organisation that accepts plastic mats. They provide instructional videos on how to make the mats, which you can find on their website.
Melbourne Period Project and Essentials for Women
Based in Melbourne and Perth, respectively, these organisations predominantly deal with providing sanitary items and other necessities for women in need. They also accept plastic mats.
Midwest Mission
Midwest Mission makes and sends out looms to churches so that they can make sleeping mats. The churches can then distribute the mats to their local homeless populations or shelters. Alternatively, the mats can be brought to Midwest Mission or a Permanent Collection Site.
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Charities accepting plastic bag donations
Plastic bags can be woven or crocheted into mats that are hygienic, waterproof, easily transportable, and provide protection from the cold ground. These mats can be used for camping, at the beach, or by your pet. However, the best use for them is to help a fellow human in need, such as a homeless individual sleeping on the ground.
Several charities accept donations of plastic mats to be redistributed to the homeless. The Melbourne Period Project in Melbourne and Essentials for Women in Perth have agreed to take on plastic mats, but they predominantly deal with providing sanitary items and other necessities for women living rough.
Teyla Rachel Branton and her daughter Lisbon weave mats from plastic grocery bags and donate them to a charity that distributes them to the homeless. They have also shared videos and written instructions on how to weave the mats.
You can also visit www.facebook.com/DreamWeaveAlliance to donate any mats you make to a good cause.
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Benefits of plastic bag mats
Plastic bag mats are a great way to reuse plastic bags, which are not accepted in home recycling bins. They can be woven or crocheted from plastic bags and provide a range of benefits, including:
Comfort and hygiene
Plastic bag mats are surprisingly comfortable and can be used for camping or for pets to sleep on. They are also hygienic, waterproof, and provide protection from cold, hard surfaces.
Eco-friendly
By using plastic bags to create mats, you are keeping them out of landfills and oceans, helping to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in these places. This also helps to prevent the pollution of marine systems.
Durability
Plastic bag mats are nearly indestructible and long-lasting, making them ideal for outdoor use and for people who are living on the streets. They are also easy to transport, making them convenient for those who need to move around frequently.
Social impact
Creating plastic bag mats can be a fun and rewarding project for individuals, schools, or community groups. They can be donated to charities that distribute them to people in need, such as the homeless, making a direct impact on the lives of those who need it most.
Overall, plastic bag mats offer a creative and eco-friendly way to reuse plastic bags while providing comfort and support to those who need it.
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Other uses for plastic bags
Plastic bags can be used for a variety of purposes other than just carrying groceries. Here are some alternative uses for plastic bags:
Packing Material
Plastic bags can be used as a cheap and effective packing material to cushion fragile items during transit. Simply place items inside a plastic bag and wrap them up, or stuff the bags between larger items to prevent them from bumping into each other. Inflating plastic bags can also create protective bubbles to cushion precious cargo.
Garbage and Waste Management
Plastic bags can be used as garbage bags for small trash cans in bathrooms and bedrooms. They are especially useful for cleaning up messes in the car, disposing of dirty diapers, or holding other messy items. Plastic bags are also handy for picking up after your dog during walks, as they provide a sanitary way to collect and dispose of waste.
Storage and Organisation
Plastic bags, especially zipped ones, can be used to store and organise various items. They are great for storing fresh produce, small kitchen appliances, and even makeup and jewellery items. Larger plastic bags are ideal for sorting items during a purge or when separating items for donation or disposal.
Arts and Crafts
Plastic bags can be cut into strips and crocheted or woven into various items, such as sleeping mats, sturdier bags, or other creative crafts. This process, known as "plarn" (plastic yarn), gives plastic bags a new purpose while also keeping them out of landfills.
Medical Purposes
Plastic bags are used for various medical purposes due to their non-porous nature. They can isolate infectious body fluids, maintain sterility, and are lightweight and flexible for patient comfort. Plastic bags have even been found to prevent hypothermia in extremely preterm infants.
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Frequently asked questions
You can send plastic bags to organisations such as Stitching Hearts Worldwide, Midwest Mission, and DreamWeave Alliance, who will make them into sleeping mats.
You can send completed mats to organisations such as Midwest Mission, Melbourne Period Project, and Essentials for Women, who will distribute them to those in need.
It takes around 500-700 plastic bags to make one sleeping mat.
