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.

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.