Chipping Away: Turning Waste into Warmth
General Interest
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, small actions can drive significant change. One such initiative is the ‘Chip Packet Project’, a New Zealand-based movement that is not only addressing the environmental toll of single-use plastics but also making a tangible impact on those in need.
Founded in late 2021, the Chip Packet Project turns empty chip packets and other foil packaging into emergency blankets for the homeless and those facing hardship. This initiative transforms waste into lifesaving resources, showing the potential of foil as a reusable material. After enjoying a packet of chips or biscuits (and who does not love chips and biscuits), most of us toss the packaging away. However, not many of us think that every foil-lined packet that goes into the landfill can take up to 80 years to decompose. The Chip Packet Project encourages us to think beyond disposal.
Making a Difference
Chip Packet Project Founder & National Coordinator, Terrena Griffiths held a workshop at Pacific Coast Village to explain more about the initiative. In this session, a group of Pacific Coast residents produced two blankets and pouches, saving the equivalent of 600 years of landfill decomposition.
New Zealand is home to over 102,000 people living in difficult situations, and the Chip Packet Project provides a simple but powerful way to offer warmth and comfort to those in need. Through community fusion events held around the country, volunteers transform collected chip packets into thermal survival blankets and other items, all while fostering a sense of purpose. The project has made a significant social impact, bringing people together and providing them with an opportunity to contribute to a shared cause. Pacific Coast resident Julie Kitchen, who took part in the workshop, was inspired. “The workshop touched my heart. I personally love craft making of any kind, making something fun or decorative out of unusual items. It intrigues me. I felt I could easily make these blankets for those in need and do something good!”
Julie led a small group of likeminded residents and initiated monthly fusion sessions with the support from the village. A collection bin was added to the craft room and residents also had an option to hand in their packets to the reception. “We had a few regulars who took charge of the ‘quality control’ process – sorting, cutting, and flattening the donated packets. Then we held monthly workshops to assemble them.” Of course, many others helped behind the scenes by eating chips and donating the empty packets. Julie’s message is simple yet powerful:
“It’s something so easy, yet together we can make a real difference. One chip packet at a time!”
Creating Thermal Blankets
The process of creating blankets is simple: chip packets are washed, cut open, and fused into large sheets using a household iron. Volunteers then send the completed panels to the Chip Packet Project, where the panels are then turned into emergency blankets that reflect body heat, providing warmth in difficult conditions. The blankets are then distributed to food banks and shelters, to support those in need.
Julie hopes there will be more residents and villages keen to help. It takes a team of people to make it happen. If you wish to hold your own fusion sessions or just donate your chip packets, visit www.chippacketproject.org for more information.
This article is from the latest issue of Sustainable Retirement Living Magazine - click here to explore the magazine.
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