How-To? From Plastic Bags To Rug! Easy DIY Recycling.

In this easy DIY video, we recycle by turning plastic bags into a fancy new carpet for your home. All you need is a crochet needle and some bags.
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Note: This project is flexible when it comes to the size of the needle you use, the size of the plastic strips you cut, and the number of stitches added when creating a '"round effect".
The size of the needle will depend greatly on the width of your plastic plarn and obviously the thickness of your plastic bag. In addition, how tightly you want your carpet to be crocheted. I personally go for a smaller needle because I want a tightly crocheted rug (7 Pony 4 1/2). So in short, the wider you cut your plarn strips, the bigger the needle you will need.
Adding stitches is also a flexible matter and rather crocheting on feel than precision. I used to add an additional stitch after every 20, however, it did not give a smooth appearance since not all plastic bags provide the same amount of "stretch". After each row is crocheted, I usually place the rug on a flat surface to see where it is starting to bend up slightly and then add a stitch to bend it down again, if that makes sense? The only way to perfect this is by practicing and getting a feel for how much your plastic will stretch.
Most plastic bags will work for this project, however, the really flimsy, thin type tends to rip too easily and I avoid them completely as I want a strong rug that will last a long time. Basically, the stronger the bags, the better!
A carpet like this uses around 300 bags if tightly crocheted. It all depends on the size of the bags.
Here are some key facts about plastic bags and their environmental impact:
1. Long Decomposition Time: Plastic bags can take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose in landfills. During this time, they break down into smaller microplastics that can persist in the environment for even longer.
2. Pollution of Oceans and Waterways: Plastic bags are a significant contributor to marine pollution. They often end up in oceans and waterways where they harm marine life such as sea turtles, fish, and birds. Animals may ingest plastic debris, leading to starvation or internal injury.
3. Resource Intensive Production: The production of plastic bags consumes natural resources like crude oil and natural gas. It also requires a significant amount of energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
4. Litter and Aesthetic Pollution: Plastic bags are a common form of litter in many urban and natural environments. They detract from the beauty of landscapes and can clog drainage systems, leading to flooding and other environmental issues.
5. Threat to Land Animals: On land, animals can also be harmed by plastic bags. Small animals may get trapped in them, leading to suffocation or other injuries. They can also disrupt ecosystems by altering habitats or interfering with agricultural activities.
6. Difficulty in Recycling: While some plastic bags can be recycled, many end up in the general waste stream or as litter. Improper disposal and lack of recycling infrastructure contribute to their environmental impact.
These factors highlight why reducing the use of plastic bags through recycling, reuse, or switching to alternative materials is crucial for environmental conservation.