Lack or recycling is a major issue for Launceston citizens,
Developing recycle crafts could be useful in redirecting some
of the objects in the community that are so difficult to be reprocessed whether they be beverage containers,paperware,plastic bags,waste oils,industrial scrap or some other material.

Establishing a network of reverse garbage depots could be useful for providing greater access to art and craft materials.

There is a project called Wow Waste but it seems that this operation brings in waste products that it is sure there is a market for,their operation could be assisted and expanded to allow a greater
range of materials and a programme of workshopping different products to determine new uses for unusual and tried products.

Providing linkages between craftspeople and the performing arts when using these reverse garbage outlets would be of benefit to the whole of Launceston's cultural community.

PLASTIC BAGS FOR CRAFT USE

Crocheted items using plastic bags the
newspapers come in for home delivery?

First cut them into strips,
Using a rotary cutter and ruler.

Then cut small slits at the ends
of each piece.

Link them together by feeding one
strip through another strip and then
back through itself.
This should lock them together.
It is suggested you crochet using a
double strand.

A single strand tends to stretch the
plastic making it too weak.

Using plastic grocery bags,

Flatten the bag out,
then cut off the top portion with
the handles and the bottom seamed
portion. Then cut strips
about one inch wide. or the width
of a ruler! These will actually be
circles when you unfold them.
It is very easy to join them then
by opening up one circle and feeding
another strip through the circle and
then through itself. Just roll in a ball.

Here are some useful links :

http://www.crochetmamashouse.com/html/101155/recycled_hat_and_sandals.htm