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Step by Step Photographic Tutorial: How to fold a small SQUARE or RECTANGULAR mat
Step by Step Photographic Tutorial: How to fold a smaller SQUARE or RECTANGULAR mat (1.5m & 1.8m mats) Folding our square and rectangle mats is the easiest of all. See below for details. Step One: Our square and rectangle mats have one visible centre spine. Step Two: Fold the mat inwards, keeping the spine on the outside. You can tell which way the spine is by looking at the way the mat naturally falls. Step Three: The fold action is like closing a hardcover book. Just like a book, if you fold the book cover the wrong way, it doesn't feel right, and looks odd too. Step Four: Once you've made the first major fold, pick up the mat from the middle point of the mat length, as pictured above. Step Five: Lift the mat and stand up, so that the mat folds in half along the length. Step Six: You can now see some other minor, soft fold lines. The amount will vary depending on the exact shape/size of your mat. Step Seven: Take hold of the mat on one side, fold it in thirds, then in thirds again. Again, this will depends on the length & shape of your chosen mat. Step Eight: This is the mat folded in third layers. Step Nine: A close up of this final step. Step Ten: Now, you can transport your mat to and from the beach, or picnics, with ease. Simply pop it back inside its resuable carry bag, or under your arm and go! Prefer a video? Check out our quick folding guide here!
Learn moreStep by Step Photographic Tutorial: How to fold a ROUND / CIRCULAR mat
Step by Step Photographic Tutorial: How to fold a ROUND mat (2.4m, 2.7m & 3m mats) The most important thing to ensure the longevity of your recycled plastic picnic mat is to remember that you DO NOT fold our smaller round mats in half. This may lead to a shortened life span of your mat. Instead the round mats are folded into THIRDS using only the 'MOUNTAIN' and 'CREVASSE' folds, on either side of the circle. Step 1: Take hold of the mat on one side, so that the folds of the mat are horizontal to your body. The easiest way to fold the mat is to lift the side of the mat closest to you, then fold it over concertina style (in a Z-like shape) Step 2: This lifting motion gently lifts the middle section so it stands up straight. The underside of the middle section of the mat then folds inwards onto itself. Step 3: Finally, the top section of the mat gently falls into place on top, and rests on the concertina fold below itself. HOT TIP - The width of this mat now folded into thirds should roughly match the length of your carry bag! Step 4: When your mat now resembles a long rectangle shape, it's time to fold one third in. Step 5: Pick up the mat with one third tucked in. Step 6: Fold the opposite third back over the middle of the mat and tuck it in place. Step 7: The mat folded correctly. Step 8: Pop the mat back inside its reusable carry bag or under your arm, and you'll be ready for your next escapade! Prefer a video? Check out our quick folding guide here!
Learn moreStep by Step Photographic Tutorial: How to fold a LARGE mat
Step by Step Photographic Tutorial: How to fold a LARGE mat (2.4m, 2.7m, 3m, 4m, 5m, 6m & 7m mats) Your storage bag will either be recycled clear plastic or recycled polyester, depending on the size you have chosen. Step 1. The large mat has two visible seam/fold lines - the 'CREVASSE' fold, and the 'MOUNTAIN' fold lines. Use both of these fold lines to fold the mat correctly. We suggest that you do NOT go against these folds as this may lead to damage to the structure of your recycled plastic mat. Close up of the CREVASSE fold. (Folds inwards on itself) Close up of the MOUNTAIN fold (This folds over, in the same fashion as closing a book) Step 2: The first action to folding the large mat is to take hold of the MOUNTAIN fold line and pull it upwards so that the mat begins to close onto itself, like closing a book. The outer edge of the mat will fold UNDER the mat, leaving you with 2/3 of the mat visible. Step 3: As you lift the MOUNTAIN fold, and this third folds under itself, draw the mat towards you, effectively folding the CREVASSE fold inward as you do. Step 4: The mat will now be 1/3 of the original width, but the same length. (The mat is now a reversed Z shape.) Step 5: Pick the mat up at the centre fold. Step 6: Continue folding the mat in half. Step 7: This is what it will look like when it's done. Step 8: Fold it in quarters. Step 9: Ensure the folds are equal so that the edges line up. Step 10: Now fold it in eighths. Step 11: This is the mat folded up correctly. Step 12: Ready for storage or transportation inside its reusable carry bag. Step 13: Place it inside the vinyl bag longways. Step 14: Zip it up. Step 15: Ready to roll. All packed for storage, or ready for transportation to your next adventure. Prefer a video? Check out our quick folding guide here!
Learn moreHow to Fold a Recycled Plastic Mat
At Recycled Mats, we want you to love your new mat as much as we do. We also want your new purchase to last. The easiest way to do that is to ensure you fold your mat correctly, for transportation and for storage. But folding a mat can be tricky, but it's easy once you know how! It's the number one question we're asked, so we thought we'd make a short video tutorial to help out. We also know that not everyone learns the same, and that not everyone can watch videos when out and about, so we've also included links to step-by-step photo tutorials. How to Fold a Mat - the Video How to Fold a Mat - Step-by-Step Tutorial in Photos Click here for the step-by-step tutorial for a LARGE mat Click here for the step-by-step tutorial for a ROUND mat Click here for the step-by-step tutorial for a SQUARE or RECTANGULAR mat Quick Look Videos How to Fold a Square or smaller Rectangular Mat How to Fold a Large Mat
Learn moreThe 'Family Is Centre' Recycled Plastic Mat funds programs to help local families!
Please note that as of June 2020, we will no longer be contributing funds to The Family Centre, it has been an amazing relationship but all good things must come to an end. We wish The Family Centre continued support and thank them for the incredible contribution to community that the entire team makes. JJ Stranan, the owner of Recycled Mats, is proud to be teaming up once again with local Indigenous Artist, Christine Slabb. Their newest venture is a ground-breaking collaboration resulting in the iconic ‘Family Is Centre’ Recycled Plastic Mat. The Tweed Family Centre Fundraising Mat This project has a goodwill aim. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the “Family Is Centre” mat will directly support local Indigenous and non-Indigenous families in the Tweed, Byron and Ballina region of Australia in times of need. Christine Slabb, an artist of Bundjalung and Yugambeh people, custom designed this mat using colours that are known to have a healing effect. The design itself draws on elements from the local community. Christine’s poetic description of her design is: “Family is the centre, the centre of one’s being. Relationships, connections that are strength, honour and respect. These strains flow deep within our soul, captivated by love. Family is the centre, the centre is our family” The Family Centre's Mission The Family Centre is a social purpose organisation, providing child, youth and family services. Their mission is to build the skills and self-esteem of individuals, families, and communities facing social challenges. The Family Centre organisation has been a force for good for over 30 years, with both paid staff and volunteers helping to make a monumental difference. Funds raised from the sale of this recycled plastic mat will fund life-changing programs at the Family Centre in Tweed Heads that help families and individuals through difficult times in life. Family Centre Programs for Change Their programs are proven to help parents: gain better parenting skills strengthen and develop closer family bonds and connections protect the safety and wellbeing of young people promote the health and wellbeing of young children and babies in our region, through Early Childhood initiatives encourage individuals to contribute and give back to their own communities. navigate the rough waters of teenage-hood The programs aimed at primary and high-school children, and young adults, support: primary school-aged children transition to high-school successfully young people to build resilience and self-worth traits young people aged 12-17 to set life goals, and make positive choices for themselves homeless, and at-risk of homelessness, youth to identify their needs and personal desires to achieve their accommodation goals in the short, medium and long-term at-risk Year 7 students to manage successful attendance at high school young adults to create positive family and peer relationships, build self esteem, take appropriate risks, and build resilience to bullying and the daily challenges of life young teens to develop the confidence to say no to drugs and alcohol, and have a strong voice in relationships they encounter with the opposite sex guide young teens through the challenges of intimate relationships, sexuality, gender, and the everyday trials of adolescence The programs for adults help: support men and women to develop skills for positive relationships guide people to develop their emotional intelligence and channel stress and anger in positive ways women develop communication skills, assertiveness, negotiation and conflict resolution women to practice self-care, by learning to set appropriate boundaries, and developing their characters men to understand their family needs The Mindful Art of Stress Reduction The Family Centre runs a 1-day course, "The Mindful Art of Stress Reduction", that explores the techniques of mindfulness, using creative activities to develop awareness about stress triggers and ways to manage it. This course is proving very popular as families and households face increased rental outlays, job insecurity, inflation, and concern over finances. The Family Centre Playgroups The Family Centre also runs playgroups for children that include opportunities for learning through stories, painting, playdough, movement, puzzles and games, water play, song and music. Playgroup also supports parents to: connect with other parents in a non-threatening environment with a cup of tea in hand be part of a supportive group of people build on their parenting skills access information and resources about child development connect with Family Centre staff and local service providers Recycled Mats Supporting Local Communities The Family Centre cannot run these programs alone, and community support is vital to ensure their longevity. Recycled Mats is proud to partner with the Family Centre and support their vital work. Purchasing the “Family Is Centre” recycled plastic mat is a constructive and immediate way for our customers to have a positive and lasting impact on the families in this local community. Click here to view all our current Indigenous recycled mats. We appreciate your support in our quest to brighten the lives of our locals. Click here for more information about the Family Centre in Tweed Heads.
Learn moreThese Gorgeous Plastic Mats are made from Recycled Plastic Bottles and Shopping Bags!
At Recycled Mats, our main offering is stylish recycled plastic mats that can be used as picnic rugs, at the beach, in the garden or home, and on holidays as caravan mats, camping mats and under shade shelters to keep the dirt, sand, and mud away. We sell products made from recycled plastics! We know some people use our mats as plastic floor carpet indoors, as LEGO play mats in children's bedrooms (it's easy to pick up the mat and use it to slide the LEGO back into it's box when you are done), in the kitchen and as hall runners to prevent stains, as kids floor mats and floor protector mats, and as floor mats in lounge rooms and dining areas too. These wonderful ethically-manufactured plastic mats are made from recycled polypropylene. Here’s a list of the plastic products made from polypropylene that are melted down and reused in the creation of our plastic mats. Medicine bottles Tin foil Drink bottles Carpet fibres Car tyres Shopping bags A recycled plastic rug - Saving the planet, one plastic bag at a time. Plastic polymer is simply not landfill friendly as it takes years and years for the plastic polymer threads to break down, but luckily it can be recycled for many other uses. One of these uses is as the material for the gorgeous multi-coloured plastic mats designed by the artists who work with Recycled Mats. We are often asked: "are plastic rugs comfy and soft enough to sit on?" Our customers agree that our recycled plastic mats are super comfy and surprisingly comfortable to sit on whether the plastic rug be on sand, on grass, in a garden or at a rocky beach. It’s a bonus that these plastic mats look good too! The eye-catching designs, inspired by Indigenous Australian culture, Maori traditions, and Islander motifs, combine stylish design and practicality so your next outing is just perfect. Recycled mats come in a variety of shapes and colours too, so there's one for every taste. It's true – it is possible to create stylish, cool décor for inside and out without destroying the planet! The journey to make plastic outdoor rugs Each outdoor plastic rug is made in a neighbourhood factory employing local women and men, helping these artisans to provide for their families. The process is as follows. First, old recyclable plastics are melted down and stored in giant vats in syrup form. Each vat is coloured individually and the coloured mixture is then fed through a ‘piping bag’ style implement to form long thin threads that, when cooled, remind us of uncooked spaghetti strands. An electric loom weaves these threads into giant decorated panels. The final step is when the craftsmen and craftswomen trim and stitch the panels together and finish the ends with black tape. Finally, each plastic rug is folded and bundled up into a carry case, ready to go out into the world. Why does Recycled Mats outsource the production of their plastic mats overseas? JJ and her team at Recycled Mats searched far and wide to find the right people and the right companies to manufacture the plastic mats, before finally settling on a family-owned factory in China. Cost of production was a factor of course, but more importantly, they could see great potential to bring positive change to many, many lives (as opposed to just one or two) by committing to long-term contracts with these businesses. In just a few short years, JJ and her team can already see noticeable differences in the wellbeing and lifestyles of the craftsmen and women who work on the mats. Positive benefits include higher standards of living for the families and children. A rise in employment in the local community has also resulted from their manufacturing agreements with us. Recycled plastic mats and rugs - changing lives, changing communities Our recycled woven plastic rugs are changing lives for the better, and every sale of a plastic rug bolsters our ability to bring even more positive change and development for their Indigenous artists, and those behing the manufacturing, including local families, and communities. It's now 2023 - read all about Recycled Mats' circular economy plight and how we are working on a solution to transform your unwanted mats! Thank you. Your support is everything.
Learn moreIndigenous Inclusivity at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games
The XXI Commonwealth Games set the bar high when it came to inclusivity. From start to finish, the Commonwealth Games Festivals & Ceremonies 2018 have been the most inclusive sports and athletics event ever held, anywhere in the world, especially when celebrating Indigenous culture. Image credit - Creative Commons Griffith University Thoughtful inclusive outcomes Every little piece of the puzzle was considered and thoughtful outcomes planned before the games even began. The volunteer uniforms, made by Hard Yakka, featured Indigenous designs, as did the Presentation trays at Medal Ceremonies. The riot of colour did not stop there, with vibrant rainbow-hued Indigenous designs on everything from posters, signage, and influencing event styling – even local bus stops had a makeover! Image Credit - CG2018 Smoking ceremony The breathtaking Opening Ceremony’s Indigenous smoking ceremony brought inclusivity to life, along with games programs where both able-bodied and athletes with a disability would compete side-by-side. This, more than anything, was a giant step in the right direction. The opening ceremony deserves special mention – Migaloo the Whale, kombis, surf life-saving, and beach culture were the centrepiece of this stunning production, but equally, the performance of the iconic Australian song “My Island Home” by Indigenous singer Christine Anu, and the dance showcases choreographed by Stephen Page, the Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre (an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island performing arts company) was magical. This dance featured both professional dancers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and Elders from across the Yugambeh Nation. This was made possible by a collaboration called the Rekindling program, designed to inspire kinship, pride and strength in those who participate in the storytelling extravaganza. The Athletics Parade of the Opening Ceremony was yet another visible representation of inclusion, with over 70 nations and territories of the Commonwealth being represented with athletes of every age, colour, and gender proudly marching along. On the artistic side, Indigenous visual artist Brian Robinson from the Torres Strait Islands was commissioned to create ‘The Parade Track’. Borobi the Mascot One of our favourite things about the Commonwealth Games 2018 was the cutest mascot ever made. Borobi, the Indigenous word for koala wears boardshorts, carries a surfboard and never leaves home without the all important zinc cream! Borobi, the blue-hued surfing koala, also gives a nod to our local Indigenous culture by featuring a design by Indigenous artist Chern’ee Sutton on his paws. According to the GC2018 team, the patterns tell the story of the games – every Commonwealth country is represented by the ‘campsite’, the big circle on Borobi’s feet. The athletes’ journey to the Games is indicated by the lines directing to the main meeting place on the Gold Coast. This is shown as a circle, which also means ocean/water in Yugambeh language. Image credit: GC2018 Borobi 11 Days of Commonwealth Games Competition But the fun fact of the day is that the wavy lines on Borobi’s fingertips represent the 11 days of the Commonwealth Games competition, and the scattered dots symbolise the spectators and visitors that hail from around the globe. The Recycled Mats Collaboration X Comm Games 2018 We, of course, contributed to the theme of inclusion by creating a series of products – a specially commissioned mat, pod chair and cushions – in Garrima design. This design was created by the one-and-only Christine Slabb, an Indigenous artist from Fingal in Northern NSW just over the Gold Coast border. What a magnificent sight it was to see these mats, pods and cushions on the world stage, especially bringing Aboriginal artistry to life on a recycled plastic mat product that can be used both in and outside the home. We are just so proud of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, and what it meant for the coast in terms of bringing a sense of pride and a sense of ownership to locals. To have a world class event such as the Commonwealth Games on home turf in our little pocket of the world, and for it to be such an outstanding representation of inclusion in the wider community is priceless.
Learn moreExciting news! Introducing the Recycled Mats X Commonwealth Games 2018 Art Collaboration
We can finally let the cat out of the bag! In 2017, we were approached by the organisers of the Commonwealth Games Festivals & Ceremonies 2018, officially known as the XXI Commonwealth Games, about a possible Commonwealth Games 2018 art collaboration with Recycled Mats, and to be their preferred supplier. Commonwealth Games 2018 Art Collaboration The Gold Coast 2018 Games, held on the Gold Coast of Australia from the 4th to the 15th of April was planned to be the most inclusive multi-sport athletic event the world had ever seen, and they had a clear mission to ensure Indigenous culture was well represented. Our task was to provide a specially commissioned piece of Indigenous art to be printed on recycled mats, cushions and pod chairs to create a brand space. These artistic home wares were to be placed around the Games precinct and at Festival 2018 sites to create comfortable seating and relaxation zones for spectators, visitors, athletes, and their families. Indigenous Artist Christine Slabb In seconds, we were on the phone to one of our favourite artists, local Fingal woman Christine Slabb, Bundjalung / Yugamben Nations. We challenged her to create a design that would be eye-catching, popular and reflect the stories of her people in the Gold Coast and Tweed regions. Christine created a design she named 'Garrima' or ‘Respect’. Joongarrabah, meaning the place of the pelican, is a peak that overlooks the Tweed and Gold Coast Region. This iconic landmark is a vital part of the local cultural landscape. For many generations, this special place has been significant in the teaching of “Garrima” respect. Garrima Mats, Pods and Cushions The design, an eye-catching combination of Indigenous symbolism to signify family, and community, was manufactured in both a striking navy blue and teal combo, or a teal and white combination. The elegant mat was a huge talking point amongst families and visitors who gathered around the yarning sand circle in the middle of Kurrawa Park at Festival 2018. A selection of blue-hued Garrima mats, along with Garrima cushions, encircled the ring of sand for children and families to sit on while they watched the free entertainment. What a tremendous sight! Jarjums Children's Learning Space Next to the Sand Circle, was a giant dome dedicated to the children visiting Festival 2018, called the 'Jarjums Children’s Learning space'. Styled in beautiful teals and blues, the dome was filled with learning activities for children aged 1-10, and our Garrima products – mats, cushions and pods - were centre stage. The egg-shaped Limited Edition Garrima design Pod chairs in teal and aqua were quite a hit. Children and adults alike were drawn to these incredibly comfortable chairs, to chill out, to laze about and to play. Funnily, children playing ‘turtles’ hiding underneath a pod chair was a common sight! We’ve had reports from Gold Coast 2018 games volunteers that there’s been a raft of enquiries from visitors seeking to know where they could buy their very own mat to take home! (Hot Tip: Buy the range here.) Image Credit: Christine Slabb Designs VIP Green Room The mats and pods were also in place in the VIP green room for use by the featured artists, performers, and Indigenous elders at the Commonwealth Games events. Recycled Mat activity zones The 2018 Gold Coast games organisers also ordered multiples of our other popular recycled plastic picnic mats in Indigenous designs such as Gatherings, Yarning Circle and Tracks, all designed by De Greer-Yindimincarlie, and Turtle Journey by Helen Price. These mats were used in the magnificent artspace dome under craft tables, in the puzzle areas, and in the kid’s activities zones. We cannot tell you how proud we are to have been involved with this spectacular event. It’s been one of our biggest highlights of the Recycled Mats journey so far, a life-changing opportunity to share the voice and stories of our local Indigenous people with the greater world. We’d love to thank the organisers of the XXI Commonwealth Games, and Festival 2018, for this unique and fruitful opportunity.
Learn moreCommunity Building on the Beautiful Gold Coast during the Comm Games 2018
The Gold Coast has long had a reputation for nightclubs, meter maids, and trashy tourism but all that has changed for good with the production of the Commonwealth Games Festivals & Ceremonies 2018. This historic all-inclusive athletics event has transformed the Gold Coast, finally giving the coast a chance to throw off any negativity and take up pole position as THE place to live in Australia. The Beautiful Gold Coast The Comm Games 2018 gave the coast a chance to broadcast our most important assets – the beaches, the hinterland, the divine coastline, but most significantly, the community and the people who live here, and call the coast home. The Commonwealth Games 2018 has been life-changing for the community here. It’s encouraged people to get outside, and get amongst it, all while supporting champion athletes from around the world. It’s been a boon for sport and recreation in this town, especially for kids and families who raced alongside the cyclists, shadowed the marathon runners, clapped the netballers, cheered on the Rugby 7’s, hid their eyes behind their hands at the boxing, and mirrored the moves of the badminton and table tennis champions. Commonwealth Games - Festival 2018 There have been enormous community gatherings at both Bleach* and Festival 2018 events, across both ticketed and free events. We’ve NEVER seen so much world-class and unique art, performance, music, and theatre in one go. Perhaps best of all, we have a new generation of kids growing up on the Coast who may now be inspired to push themselves that little bit further or faster and try new sports they may have never known before. Our next world champions are right here, and they’ve just had a magnificent boost to their own quests. Success is possible. They too can be winners (and graceful runner-ups). Comm Games 2018 Collection We’ve been smitten with the entire Commonwealth Games event, and are tickled pink that our Commonwealth Games collection of Garrima mats, pods and cushions played an instrumental part at both the Kurrawa Park venue of Festival 2018, in providing a platform for community gatherings and positive interaction with the events. Garrima Recycled Plastic Mats & Cushions The Garrima mats, in two different colourways, were highlighted in their role as picnic mat seating around the giant sand circle at Kurrawa Park. Combined with the Garrima cushion (pictured above in navy, with an Ochre hand-print from one of the Yugambeh dancers!), these two products provided hours of comfort for those kids and families enamoured with the entertainment and cultural shows put on by Festival 2018. Our community engagement experience of the Commonwealth Games was epic, and we've shared conversations with other Gold Coast locals who have felt the same. There's never been any event this big here before, and the likelihood is that there will never be such a monster event here again. We know we have never been more lucky to live here than now - we are all winners, thanks to the Commonwealth Games 2018.
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