Grandmas Are Crocheting Sleeping Mats For The Homeless Using Recycled Plastic Bags

Updated August 23, 2021

Grandmas have remarkable skills when it comes to crafting and being resourceful. We really can learn so much from them. Now, grandmas around the world are also showing us how to be caring and environmentally conscious by crocheting mats for the homeless using recycled plastic bags.

Many cities around the world are attempting to curb single-use plastic bags, but it's an uphill battle.

Unsplash | Brian Yurasits

Seniors have found a way to put them to good use by crocheting them into a variety of products, including tote bags and sleeping mats.

It started with a group of grandmas in Australia.

Word spread quickly about women in Australia who were banding together to use single-use plastic bags as the primary material to crochet mats for the homeless. Soon, volunteer groups started to spring up in cities across the U.S., U.K., and Canada.

It's actually quite easy to do and there are tutorials online.

The women start by snipping off the ends of a plastic bag in order to cut strips of plastic. Then they roll the strips into a ball of 'plarn,' or plastic yarn, and get crocheting.

Here's an easy-to-follow tutorial.

The mats are warm, waterproof, and easy to transport.

Because of the nature of the material being used, the resulting mats are warm, waterproof, and very lightweight. They're great for outdoor use, and some are even crocheting a strap so they can be slung across your shoulder.