Re.Bag.Re.Use, a Hout Bay-based community project spotlights the power of turning waste into worth.
WORDS Gina Dionisio
This creative community initiative, which initially began as a hobby during the COVID-19 lockdown, is led by a team of 21 women who transform discarded bread bags, VHS and cassette tapes into beautiful, multifunctional items such as shoppers and cushions.
Through their hands and hooks, plastic waste is given new life as stylish, sustainable products that not only reduce environmental harm but also generate income, spark creativity and foster community pride.
One of the first women to join the Re.Bag.Re.Use team is Joana Mnisi. The grandmother has become a quiet yet powerful presence in the group. Armed with patience and purpose, she transforms empty plastic bags into beautiful multi-functional crocheted creations that carry more than groceries.
“Each stitch is a small step towards a cleaner environment,” she 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.”
Joana’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence set a high standard for the team. 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,” she says. “Every project teaches me something new.”
Thanks to the generous support of Blue Ribbon, the Re.Bag.Re.Use team has repurposed an astonishing 14,843 Blue Ribbon bread bags from June 2024 to May 2025. This weighs in at just under 104 kg, roughly the weight of a baby elephant. Since the project began in April 2020, they have collectively diverted more than 144,000 bags from landfill, over 1,009 kg of plastic saved.
“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.”
The Re.Bag.Re.Use team has also collaborated with South African designers such as Ananta Design Studio and has participated in several local design projects. One notable project was Upcycle 2024 – an exhibition focused on turning old office furniture into bespoke art for the workplace.
Together, these 21 women are crocheting change. Their work is proof that upcycling is not only about reducing waste – it creates value, dignity and opportunity in every thread. | rebagreuse.com
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