Sleeping Mats
Church member Wayne Abadie has found a creative way to recycle plastic grocery bags, and at the same time, help the homeless. For about two years, Abadie has been tying together thousands of plastic grocery bags, converting them into sleeping mats for the homeless. Abadie uses 1,000 bags to make one 4-ft. by 6-ft. mat. He recently accomplished a goal of making 14 mats in 16 months. He is now working on creating 24 mats by the winter. We’re always looking for volunteers to help with this project – there are several steps that go into making a mat and many ways you can help out!
The first step in making the mats is gathering used plastic shopping bags – any type of plastic shopping bag works! You can collect the bags and drop them off at New Life Community Church (134 Lakewood Drive) at any time!
The next step is to flatten the shopping bags so that they can easily be cut into strips and tied into “plarn”. Watch this brief video to see how to flatten the bags. After the bags are flattened, they are cut into strips, tied into “plarn”, and then crocheted into sleeping mats.
For detailed instructions on making the mats, click here: Sleeping Mat Instructions
Thanks to everyone who came out on May 16 for “Change the World Weekend”! More than 30 individuals spent the afternoon at the church making plarn, learning to crochet mats, and assembling ‘care kits’ for the homeless. Check out photos from the event here!
If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact the church office at 985.785.6868 or email office@newlifeluling.com.
We’re on Facebook! “Like” our page for updates and info on how you can get involved!
“Sleeping Mats” in the news…
- Helping the homeless one bag at a time (K-Love – Top stories for May 17)
- Luling man repurposing for a higher purpose (WDSU)
- Luling man’s ‘plarn’ helps homeless (St. Charles Herald Guide)
- Luling man uses plastic grocery bags to create sleeping mats for the homeless (The Times Picayune, nola.com)
- DIY Plarn Mats For The Homeless: A Great Use For Plastic Shopping Bags (Sustainablog)