Conscious Crafting: Plarn - Plastic Yarn

by Katie Platten, Brown County Port & Resource Recovery

Let's be honest, we all want to be nicer to the environment, but we are in fact human and still will occasionally forget our reusable bags on the counter when heading to the store. (raises hand sheepishly)

Plastic bags will find their way into even the most environmentally friendly households. Finding a way to use them a few more times is preferable to throwing them away immediately. If you are not craft-minded, there are also a few options for plastic film recycling (DO NOT PUT PLASTIC BAGS IN YOUR RECYCLING BIN). Find these here at https://bagandfilmrecycling.org/ .

Plastic Yarn or "plarn" is made by upcycling plastic bags into yarn-like chains or strands that can then be used to crochet various items.

Step One: Flatten bag. Make sure all sides are tucked in.

Step Two: Fold Once, and then Fold Again.

Step Three: Cut off both ends.

Step Four: Measure and cut 1-inch sections.

Step Five: Loop and carefully pull to knot the ends together.

Step Six: Use!

Plarn can be used in many ways. My favorite projects are listed on the Brown County Resource Recovery Pinterest page. Use like yarn but be careful not to pull too hard.