144  West Main Street, Marion, Virginia 24354

“Plarn” Workshop offered at Appalachian Spirit Gallery on May 19^th

Five hundred billion plastic bags are used world wide each year with only a tiny fraction of them recycled. Most have a short life, being used only for a few minutes to get from the store to the home before being thrown away.  Millions end up in landfills or befouling the landscape, our mountains, rivers, and streams. They can last up to a thousand years in a landfill.  In the environment, they break down into tiny, toxic particles that become part of the soil and water.

Plastic bags are so cheap to produce, sturdy, plentiful, easy to carry and store that they have captured at least 80 percent of the grocery and convenience store market since they were introduced a quarter century ago, according to the Arlington, Virginia-based American Plastics Council. They come free with your groceries.

Those not thrown away are balled up and stowed into one hanging on the pantry door, or stuffed into nooks and crannies of closets, cabinets, or drawers. They line our trash bins, carry clothes to the gym, or provide a place to put kitty litter for disposal. Unfortunately, most remain unused and waiting for a higher more permanent use…”plarn” or plastic yarn.

Plastic yarn can be knitted, crocheted, woven, or bonded into useful items such as: sturdy reusable shopping bags, handbags, bottle carries, drink holders, wallets, purses, tarps, and blankets with styles only limited by your imagination. Want to learn more?

Appalachian Spirit Gallery will be offering a “plarn” workshop on Wednesday, May 19^th at 3 p.m. at the gallery, 144 West Main Street in Marion, Virginia.  Cost of the workshop is $10 with a limit of ten students.  Other classes will be offered depending on interest.  Participants will need to bring a good pair of scissors, and a large crochet hook or knitting needles. Plastic bags will be provided or you might want to bring some of your own.  Dry cleaning bags work well too. For more information or to pre-register please call 276-759-3890 or email info@appalachianspiritgallery.com.