We should all be bringing our own re-useable bags with us when you shop, but if we end up with a few single use plastic bags, here’s a great way to repurpose them.

Intergenerational – and environmentally-friendly – mat-making at Heights: It’s in the bag!

Founded by a recent high school graduate, @MattingChange aims to reconfigure single-use plastic bags into comfortable and durable sleeping mats for people experiencing homelessness. By putting a spin on a traditional textiles technique, these mats can be made by anyone and provide critical relief, especially in the colder months. The mats will be donated to Needham-based Generic Ministry to support their work with individuals experiencing homelessness in Boston.  This labor-intensive project needs the help of many hands, ages 11 to 111.

Join the community in giving back, while keeping bags out of the waste stream! A series of workshops will be held from 2:30-5pm on the early-release and no-school days of Wednesdays Sept. 25, Oct. 9 Oct. 23 and Nov 6. For more information and to sign up, please contact Aicha Kelley at The Center at The Heights at akelley@needhamma.gov or 781-455-7555.

Making a single mat requires 600 bags! If you have clean, flimsy, plastic checkout bags (#2 HDPE) to donate, please drop them off in the Matting Change bin at the Center for the Heights or at 20 Chestnut St (south of Harvey’s) inside the front door.

Needham is Matting Change – Helping the Homeless Is “In The Bag”
Share

Upcoming Events