Re.Bag.Re.Use has spotlighted the power of turning waste into worth as International Upcycling Day approaches on Tuesday, 24 June. This community initiative, based in Hout Bay, brings together 21 women who repurpose discarded bread bags into multifunctional items.
Through their hands and hooks, plastic waste is given new life as sustainable products that spark creativity and foster community pride. Not only do these products reduce environmental harm, but they also generate income, says Re.Bag.Re.Use.
One of the first women to join the Re.Bag.Re.Use team, Joana Mnisi, shares her journey.
As a grandmother, Mnisi has become a quiet yet powerful presence in the group. Mnisi transforms empty plastic bags into multi-functional crocheted creations that carry more than groceries — they carry a message.
"Each stitch is a small step towards a cleaner environment," Mnisi says. "When my grandchildren visit, I show them what I'm working on and remind them that waste doesn't have to be wasted. It's something we can reuse. It's something we can learn from."
Mnisi's commitment to excellence sets a high standard for the team, says the initiative. For her, the journey is both environmental and personal. She continues to learn new patterns and techniques, proving that growth has no age limit. "I never imagined I would be learning like this at my age," Mnisi says. "Every project teaches me something new."
Due to the support of Blue Ribbon, the Re.Bag.Re.Use team has repurposed an 14 843 Blue Ribbon bread bags from June 2024 to May 2025. This weighs in at just under 104kg. Since the project began in April 2020, it has diverted more than 144 000 bags from landfill, over 1 009kg of plastic saved, says the initiative.
"At Blue Ribbon, we believe in creating a better tomorrow through the choices we make today," says Jenelle Bosman, Senior Brand Manager at Blue Ribbon. "Supporting Re.Bag.Re.Use allows us to contribute to cleaner communities, while empowering women like Joana to teach the next generation the value of upcycling and environmental care."
Re.Bag.Re.Use concludes that together, these 21 women are crocheting change, one bread bag, one loop, one stitch at a time. Their work is proof that upcycling is not only about reducing waste, but about creating value, dignity and opportunity in every thread.
For more information, visit www.rebagreuse.com. You can also follow Re.Bag.Re.Use on Facebook or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor