Shaw TV Nanaimo / YouTube

When it comes to giving back, there’s so many ways to go about it. I never knew you could give back by recycling until now.


Nanaimo Harbour City Seniors in Namaimo, British Columbia, Canada, have taken plastic shopping bags and turned them into sleeping mats by crocheting them together!

These sleeping mats make great supplies for the homeless population, allowing them to sleep comfortably wherever they need to. It also makes a great addition to any camping trip. Regardless of who uses it, it’s a great way to recycle.

“The Bag Ladies,” as they call themselves, also specialize in making large tote bags out of the plastic bags. With their technique, you can practically make anything with this stuff!

One of The Bag Ladies says she found this idea on the internet after some ladies in Australia were doing this technique themselves. Once this Bag Lady learned how, she sprung into action and started making stuff herself.

From an outsider’s perspective, this feat seems impossible. Not only is it possible, but it’s super easy, and the seniors made a video showing everyone exactly how it’s done.

Start by folding your plastic bag in half vertically. Do this two more times, then cut off the top handles and the bottom seam to create a flat, open plastic tube.

From here, you cut these into strips. The thicker the strips, the thicker your mat. Now take your strips and roll them together into a ball of “plarn,” or plastic yarn.

Now crochet them together into mats! Amazing, right? These waterproof, warm mats can be slung over the shoulder with the addition of a plastic strap. They’re so lightweight and perfect for anyone who may need it.

Check out the video below to get more details on how this is done, then get to making your own. You can make a real difference with this!

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