Green Team – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Volunteers Transform Plastic Sacks into Usable Mats

Published on November 10, 2016

Green Team volunteers promote “reduce, reuse, recycle” activities to help keep Huntsville clean and green. One popular program sponsored by The Boeing Company collects used plastic shopping bags for volunteers to weave into thick plastic mats that can be used for a variety of purposes.

Today, Boeing and Green Team volunteers donated more than 113 mats they created from 175,000 plastic bags to local organizations supporting the homeless and to charity groups in Haiti. Groups like First Watch say the mats provide an extra layer of warmth and a dry barrier for homeless who choose to remain outdoors.

“People in Huntsville are willing to do more, take yet another step to be green and help someone in need at the same time.” said Joy McKee, Green Team Director.

Boeing’s VP of Army and Special Operations Forces, Bill Phillips, says his company’s volunteers are committed to helping support homeless veterans who are struggling. “We are so proud to be a part of this community and this effort with Green Team.”

Green Team volunteers have been making the mats for the past three years and estimate they have distributed more than 1,000 to those in need. The creative program has been emulated by other groups across the country.

For more information on Green Team programs, visit the City of Huntsville website and Green Team Facebook page.