From trash to treasure: Abilene Recovery Council makes mats from plastic bags

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) - Plastic bags are often used on a trip to the grocery store or some fast-food establishments, and most of the time, they end up in the trashcan. The Abilene Recovery Council is taking what some may consider trash and turning it into something useful: mats for the unhoused.

The project 'Mats for our Neighbors' takes plastic bags and weaves them into a mat that can be slept on. Cindy Frazier with the nonprofit said the mats serve a long-lasting purpose.

"It kind of creates a barrier between them and the ground. They're washable. They're completely sustainable and durable. You can just rinse them off, shake them out, and continue using them," Frazier explained.

The idea began with the organization two years ago. The mats are designed to match the wingspan and exceed the height of a person, providing ample space.

Frazier told KTAB/KRBC that she has seen the effect of the mats firsthand.

"There was a lady who needed one. One of the people in our office ran back here to grab one and went and found her where she was and provided that to her. It was a really neat moment to see someone who needed something, and we had something that we could provide for them completely free of charge," Frazier said.

It takes approximately 100 bags to create a single mat, with the hours varying based on the prep work done beforehand. Sandra Wall decided to hop on board after casually seeing one.

"I literally walked into a co-worker's office, and it was on her floor. I was like, 'Oh, what a beautiful rug.' And then she was like, 'Feel it!' And I was like, 'It's plastic.' I was like, 'Who did this? How did you do this?'" Walls recalled.

This year, the organization is partnering with Highland Church of Christ to distribute the mats. They do not have a set goal, but Walls said she likes seeing her work in action.

"If someone, an unhoused person, has a way to be a little bit more comfortable, so to speak, and it lasts a long time. These things, I actually had the opportunity to see an end house person, and they said that they had had theirs for almost two years," Walls said.

The organization invites the community to help make mats on December 16, from noon to 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Abilene Recovery Council. They are also accepting donations of plastic bags to their office at 104 Pine Street on the fifth floor.