Paper or plastic? Ideally, neither is the best option. It's beneficial to keep reusable cloth bags in the car for shopping. However, even with good intentions, those troublesome plastic grocery bags tend to accumulate under the sink or in the pantry. The detrimental impact these bags have on nature is widely recognized.
While numerous initiatives are underway promising a future with less plastic, it's crucial to find immediate ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle the plastic that's already part of our lives. In The Grove, one method we're embracing is plarning.
Plarning is the process of creating yarn out of plastic bags. It's an activity that people of all ages can participate in, requiring a variety of crafting skills that can be combined and utilized together.
The elegance of this project lies in the fact that the act of plarning also benefits our homeless community. The plarn is crafted into mats that provide a moisture barrier for individuals who sleep outdoors. Such an item is greatly valued, particularly here in South Florida where conditions are perpetually damp, if not rainy. This barrier between the blanket and the ground reduces bacterial growth in blankets that might not have the opportunity to dry out completely.
Whether you're flattening/folding, cutting/looping, or crocheting plarn, rest assured you're contributing positively. It's also quite enjoyable. At home, it's a great activity to pair with Netflix and relaxation. It can make you feel better about watching an entire season in one go. Consider hosting a Plarn Party to engage with like-minded individuals over snacks and enriching conversations.
In any case, you'll be providing a service to yourself, the community, and Mother Earth with all her creatures. Blessed be.
Watch this video to learn how to plarn:
Watch this video to see how plarn has changed peoples lives:
Stay Crafty, Opal Luna