Local residents helping to make ‘milk-bag mats’ for those in need around the world

By ALEXANDRA McDIARMID

I felt this article was fitting since Earth Day took place recently.

I was inspired to make milk-bag mats while attending Bethany’s Baptist Church (East York) where I was volunteering between 2017 to 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic began. The Arts and Craft Circle run by Veta Riley constructed the mats with outer milk bags sleeves.

There was a large frame and a lot of weaving needed to make them. These mats are sent abroad to help developing countries to separate people from the ground while sitting and sleeping.

I learned more about this at https://milkbagsunlimited.ca/home/

Pastor Jim at the church constructed the frame we use to make the mats.  I received the frame this year and have been occupying myself making mats from the milk bags during the lockdown/stay home orders   I have completed seven mats and counting.

I would like to thank Ruth from Glen Rhodes United Church for the contribution of bags.

A special thanks goes to everyone in schools, churches and other organizations who are presently making these mats at home until we can send them abroad.

As a kind reminder, three million tonnes of plastic goes to our landfills each year. Milk bag sleeves have a more than 50-year lifespan and do not biodegrade very fast.

If you would like to contact me to learn how you can be involved and help, I can be reached at alexandramcdiarmid@gmail.com

Please save up your milk bag sleeves until a pickup or drop off can be arranged.