Going Green: Plastic Bag Braided Rugs

Free the Environment We've heard for years how damaging plastic bags are for the environment and that they will remain in landfills for hundreds of years. Activists warn that animals can be strangled by getting their necks caught in plastic bag handles. Recycle those indestructible plastic bags into maintenance-free plastic bag braided rugs, and never again feel guilty for choosing plastic over paper.

Free Braided Rugs
Recycling centers are a good source for free materials for plastic bag braided rugs. Look for bags with color for lively braided rugs. You'll need scissors, a large curved lacing needle, and nylon thread (your only expense) to assemble braided rugs.

• The first step to creating plastic bag braided rugs is to cut handles and bottoms off of bags. Cut bags into 1-inch loops. Attach 3 loops together.
• Until the braided chain is several feet long, secure the beginning edge to a chair or doorknob using masking tape. This makes braiding easier.
• Braid firmly but not too tightly, attaching new loops as needed. Flatten the plastic bag braid to keep it from twisting and curling.
• Once the braid measures 4 to 6 feet, begin to assemble the plastic bag braided rug into an oval, circle, square, or rectangle. For round rugs, the length of the starting braid should be only a couple of inches; for a 2x4-foot oval mat, measure 2 feet of braid (difference between length and width measurements), fold, and secure the 2 braided strips to a flat surface with masking tape.
• Use needle and double thread to lace together the inner coil and each new round of braid. Continue braiding 4- to 6-foot sections and lacing the braids. When the braided rug reaches the desired measurements, taper the end of the braid, tuck it under the last round of braid, and secure.