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Have fun teaching the Circular Economy! Educational ideas for Pre & Primary School-aged children
If you know a bit about us, you'll know how passionate we are, not only about recycling, but also about the circular economy as a whole. Our purpose here at Recycled Mats is to 'Create. Educate. Inspire', and what better way to spread the message to our future generations, than by educating them from the get-go? Where to start? Here! We want to help you to discover exciting and educational ways to teach primary school-age students about the circular economy. From 'recycling rockstars' to 'upcycling challenges' and read-worthy books, this blog post provides engaging activities that will entertain and educate young minds. Start with the basics: Explain the concept of recycling and how it helps to reduce waste Discuss the different materials that can be recycled, such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal. Show examples of items that can be recycled and explain how they are transformed into new products. Visual aids like diagrams, pictures, or videos can help children understand the circular economy better. Show them illustrations or videos that depict the lifecycle of products, from production to consumption, recycling, and back to production again. Our recycled plastic outdoor mats, along with many of our other product lines are great to show children, to demonstrate just what is possible from recycled products. Think old car tyres and plastic bottles transformed into colourful doormats, textile offcuts magically woven into cosy indoor rugs, and recycled PET plastics revamped into super-soft, quick-drying beach towels! 'Recycling Rockstars': A fun classroom competition Engage your primary students in a classroom competition that transforms them into 'Recycling Rockstars'. See who can sort recyclables the fastest and most accurately. Provide silly hats or sunglasses as 'rockstar' accessories for the ultimate experience! This activity not only educates them about recycling but also puts a fire in their bellies about a really important topic. The 'Waste Warriors' skit: Inspire eco-action and creativity Collaborate with your students to create a hilarious skit featuring the adventures of the Waste Warriors. Let them come up with wacky characters like Captain Compost and Trash Terminator, who battle against the villains of waste. Dress up in fun costumes and perform the skit for the whole school, spreading laughter and eco-awareness. This entertaining performance highlights the importance of waste reduction while letting students showcase their acting skills. Want to take it up a notch? Let them create their superhero costumes using recycled materials. Together, you'll save the planet, one piece of recycling at a time! The 'Great Upcycling Challenge': Unleash creativity and sustainability Promote creative thinking and sustainability by challenging your students to participate in an upcycling challenge. This hands-on activity encourages them to repurpose everyday items into unique, usable creations. Give each student a pile of random items, from cardboard boxes to bottle caps, and see who can turn them into the most imaginative and useful works of art! You'll be amazed at what they come up with, and they'll have a blast showcasing their upcycled masterpieces to their peers. How about an old cereal box fashioned into a unique magazine holder, a plain jar into a piggy bank, bottle tops made into a fly-repelling 'beaded' door curtain, or perhaps a bottle or tin can transform into a funky planter? Award the most inventive in the group, the crown of the "Master Upcycler" (made out of old newspaper of course!) Who knew old stuff could be so cool? 'Recycle Relay Race': Combining sport and, of course, learning Ignite friendly competition and teamwork among your students with a thrilling 'Recycle Relay Race'. This action-packed activity allows students to learn about different types of recyclables while promoting physical activity. Divide your class into teams and set up stations with different types of recyclables. Each student must run to their designated station, correctly sort the items, and pass the baton to the next team member. The first team to finish with all items sorted wins the recycling championship title! Field trips and virtual tours: Explore real-life examples! A virtual or physical tour of a recycling centre or waste management facility is amazing for visual learning! This can give a firsthand look at how materials are sorted, processed, and recycled. If you're able to go on a field trip, a visit to a local second-hand store, market or op shop will show them how items can be reused and given a new life. Use existing resources: Read books, watch videos & utilise online learning Look for age-appropriate books and videos that explain the concept of the circular economy in a child-friendly way. Some popular titles include "The Great Trash Bash" by Loreen Leedy and "Why Should I Recycle?" by Jen Green. There are online games and interactive apps available that focus on recycling and the circular economy. These games can make the learning process more engaging and enjoyable for children. Use examples of some organisations, companies or people determined to make a difference. Companies as passionate as ours will always be more than happy to spread the word, demonstrate their passion, and share their recycling ideas. Here at Recycled Mats, we have some great blog posts to use as references. Things such as 'How we make a difference to our world', recycling ideas, our company recycling stats & community initiatives you can tap into, and our ever-evolving 'Green KPIs'. You can also check out our YouTube videos 'How are recycled mats made?' and 'How Chindi rugs are made'. Get their thinking caps on; Expand their vocabulary and improve writing skills Encourage critical thinking by engaging your class in discussions about the importance of reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling. Ask them questions like "What can we do to reduce our waste at home?" or "How can we use items in creative ways instead of throwing them away?" This will help them think critically and come up with their ideas. Have them draw images, write a short passage with their illustrations, or, for older Primary stages, ask them to make a fun project displaying their findings. You'll be surprised and delighted at some of the ideas! Eco jokes and puns: Adding laughter to learning Everyone loves a good pun or joke! Discover a collection of light-hearted one-liners that will keep your students entertained while reinforcing key concepts. Drop in silly jokes, such as... "Why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the recycling bin!" or "Why was the math book sad? Because it had too many problems to solve!" or how about seeing who can come up with the funniest eco-joke of the day? It'll bring laughter & engagement to the classroom and create memorable moments whilst discussing the circular economy. Talking trash at home? Take a humorous approach to discussing waste reduction. Playfully tease your child about the idea of a trash monster gobbling up their leftovers or having a silly conversation with a talking garbage bin. Encourage them to think creatively about ways to minimise waste and make the trash monster go on a diet! And don't forget to check out our latest blog "15 Exciting Ways Kids Can Save the Planet" to do with your kids, and get the fun back into learning while providing fun cool ideas If we're to help Mother Earth, we all need to prioritise the topic of recycling, but learning about it needn't be a serious matter (far from it!). Whether you're a teacher or parent, your enthusiasm and sense of humour can inspire a lifelong love for learning. By incorporating playfulness into lessons about the circular economy, you'll create an environment where students can have fun whilst becoming eco-champions. Let the laughter and learning begin!
Learn moreInspired by Nature
“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” Vincent Van Gogh So many of our Recycled Mats designs are inspired by nature and the beautiful world around us. We all know that spending time outdoors and embracing nature is good for both our physical and mental health. What better way to do this than with the Gum Leaves & Waterholes range designed by Indigenous artist Caitlin Trindall? She believes there is no better feeling than sinking your bare feet into the sand, dipping into the freshwater dam, and closing your eyes to listen to the sound of rustling gum leaves in the breeze. Getting outdoors doesn’t just help us escape the stresses of daily life but it’s also a wonderful way to relax. Reconnecting with our environment can have a profound impact on our mood and behaviour. It helps to reduce anxiety and stress, as well as increase our attention span. Why not grab your outdoor mat and take time out in nature? Part of our yoga mat range is the nature-inspired Australian Natives Eco Rubber & Microfibre Suede yoga mat. It's an in-house design and is also available as a mousepad, doormat and cushion cover. Click here for other Australian Natives designs and products in our range. Wandering outdoors can also boost our positive emotions such as feelings of wonder and contentment. Most of us would admit to finding a sunrise or sunset somewhat moving and inspirational. Few of us can walk past a beautiful red and purple sky without stopping to take a look and maybe upload a picture to Instagram. The same can be said of star-filled skies and open oceans that leave us in awe. Our outdoor mats provide the perfect foundation for both sky and star gazing! When you see a flower in full bloom or when a butterfly flutters past, stop to think of all that it represents and of the intricate beauty therein. Try and appreciate the majesty in even your smallest moments. See our range of other nature-inspired designs here and celebrate and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Go on walks, travel the country, plan that camping or road trip and what better way to complement your adventure than with one of our camping mats? They are practical and hard-wearing, and they bring comfort and style to any campsite. Soft underfoot yet sturdy, our recycled plastic mats have stood the test of time and can be found across the country in caravan parks, schools, and gardens as well as music festivals and events. Want to see how we make a difference in our world - read here for more information.
Learn moreRetro Inspired Holidays
If there’s anything we can celebrate from the turmoil of the last few years, it’s been the rediscovery of our own backyard – its beauty, its expanse and its awe-inspiring diversity. During the two years of international travel restrictions, hundreds of thousands of Aussies who wouldn’t normally venture into the great outdoors, popped their passports away for safe keeping, mothballed the suitcases and instead, dusted off the camping gear, backpacks and fishing rods, for a road trip or weekend away in nature. Caravan and 4WD sales skyrocketed as folks decided that the time had come to see what travel opportunities our own country had to offer, away from the cities and off the beaten track. Road trips with family and friends, romantic getaways for two, and for many, a year off work to do the Big Lap (and the chance to do some soul searching), became catchphrases for travel during the era of covid. Tired of the stress and uncertainty, people naturally sought out “downtime” in nature – walking, fishing, surfing - more restful periods spent reading and playing board games, and a return to family and the simple things in life that we find comforting and reassuring. And one trend that had already gained considerable momentum in the lead up to this time was consequently catapulted into the mainstream – the fascination and affection for that Retro Vintage “vibe”. From home décor to fashion, the mid-century and retro movement was evident everywhere. Clothing, wallpaper, furniture, homewares, caravans, food trucks and car design were (and still are) being influenced by our desire for something that reminds us of the past. People scour markets and second hand outlets for original items that reflect the simplicity and fun of the 50s, 60s and 70s - art pieces, handtools, crockery and glassware, home decor and of course, clothing. And it isn’t just the “boomers” on the nostalgia trip, the millennials and gen Z have also jumped on the bandwagon, ingraining this trend even further into our daily existence. What a ride! Of course, here at Recycled Mats we couldn’t help but be bitten by the retro bug. Whilst modern camper trailers and caravans can offer the ultimate in luxury and practicality, nothing pulls the heart strings more in a caravan park than a cool vintage van. Whether an original or a new-build, it says relax like no other home-on-wheels out there! And what better way to complement those wheels than with one of our retro inspired mats. From florals to palm trees, gingham checks to flamingos, our vintage range of outdoor mats is a no-brainer when it comes to decking out your camping, picnic or backyard space. Our retro outdoor mats tick all the boxes - practical and hard wearing, they bring comfort and style to any campsite….or party! Soft underfoot yet sturdy, after 13 years in business, our recycled plastic mats have stood the test of time and can be found across the country in caravan parks, school yards, gardens and at all your favourite music festivals and events. Perfect for seating and entertaining, they’ll easily expand your living space into the annex area or out under the stars. Protecting delicate feet by providing a barrier to sharp sticks and stones, the weave of our camping mats will still allow for air circulation, making them campground and grass friendly. And being made from recycled plastic, they’re eco friendly too! All of our x-large annex mats of 4m or longer, come with eyelets included and a strong, recycled polyester carry bag meaning they're easy to transport and store. They’re also a cinch to clean - simply sweep, shake or hose off to remove dust and debris. Ideal for picnic and beach days, our small - large outdoor rugs all have corner eyelets as an option so you can peg them down and secure them in place plus you can add an umbrella eyelet when the day calls for more sun protection. Oh, and did we mention that we also have a really cool vintage umbrella range? Yep, from stripes to classic cream canvas, our fringed beach umbrellas are sure to up the retro ante! We also offer a great selection of cheeseboards and picnic tables made from reclaimed and sustainable wood. Why not get into the vintage vibe and set up a retro picnic complete with French onion dip and Jatz crackers, devilled eggs and prawn cocktails….yum! There's endless fun you can have with our retro mat collection with a range of colours, shapes and sizes to suit just about any camp setup, event or party. So what are you waiting for? Bring the past into your present and enjoy the fun and frivolity that the vintage vibe can add to your life.
Learn moreHow We've Made A Difference To Our World
Everything we do here at Recycled Mats puts both our community and our environment at the top of the priority list. From the products we sell to the way in which we run our office and warehouse, the impact we make locally and globally, determines the How, Where and What we do. And we don’t just retail practical, stylish and affordable eco-friendly products! We also dedicate a healthy portion of our time and earnings to both assisting others and improving the world we live in. Here’s how Recycled Mats has, and continues to support both our Aussie community and our precious environment: Aboriginal Art Our Aboriginal designs are produced by a small team of talented Indigenous artists with whom we have cherished, long-standing relationships. Each artist not only retains ownership of the artworks that we use but is also paid 10% of every sale of an item that features one of their designs. All articles that feature an Aboriginal design are also vetted and approved by the artists for their end use. If, for example, their design is used on an outdoor mat, the artist has agreed that this item can be sat and stood upon. Our commitment to the artists is one we take very seriously - not only is it mutually supportive and respectful, it’s transparent and based on a foundation of trust and integrity. Our stunning range of Aboriginal mats, yoga mats and cushion covers are proudly showcased in homes, offices and schools across the country. Repurposing Waste Products At the time of writing, Recycled Mats have saved over 375,000kg of waste materials from going into landfill! That’s mountains and mountains of rubbish that we’ve turned into beautiful and functional wares. Discarded plastic and rubber that would normally have ended up polluting our environment is given new life by being transformed into mats, cushion covers, doormats, yoga blocks and mousepads. Bush Fire and Flood Assistance We donated outdoor mats to our Firies after their heroic efforts in 2019 and to local schools affected by the devastating floods of 2022. The RM crew also rallied around one of our own whose house was badly damaged by water inundation, assisting her with the clean-up plus launching a successful fundraising campaign to help finance the repair and rebuild. Tree Planting Initiative From 2020 to June 2024 we were donating trees to Carbon Positive Australia which supports planting projects across the country that increase canopy cover and biodiversity, assisting the wellbeing of our native flora and fauna. We’ve been responsible for the planting of over 3,000 native trees! Koalas Since the devastating fires of 2019, we were donating to Bangalow Koalas - a community group devoted to the care and ongoing support of the local koala population and their habitat. Black Cockatoos This year, our Cockatoo Crackle mat sales have contributed over $10,000 directly to the Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre! This has resulted in the rehabilitation and release of more than 10 injured and endangered cockatoos back into the wild. What a thrill to be involved in setting these majestic birds free again! Image link Wedgetail Retreat Designed in-house by our very talented Leesa, 15% of the sale of our RISING yoga mat and sand-free beach towel went towards the support of the wonderful work of the Wedgetail Retreat Community Hospice in Tweed. You can read more about their endeavours at this link Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue Here at Recycled Mats, we’re passionate about the preservation and protection of our local waterways and the marine animals that rely upon them. From 2023 to Feb 2026, we were donating 10% of the proceeds from each mat sale directly to the Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue, whose mission is to rescue and rehabilitate seabirds, shorebirds, sea turtles and sea snakes. You can read more about their inspiring work at this link. The stunning 6m Marine Life mat has been designed by another of our in-house artists, Rachel. In her words: "When I was asked by JJ to design a mat for the seabirds and turtles, I was ecstatic! I love turtles and had pet turtles growing up. I also find seabirds and pelicans really fascinating and majestic. For this design I used inspiration from our riverways and the seashore; from pelicans perched on wooden pillars encrusted with barnacles, to swimming turtles and flowing tides. I enjoyed this design project and love that Recycled Mats are helping support & rescue injured Australian seabirds & turtles" A new collaboration in May 2023 is with the wonderful team at Plastic Oceans Australia, where we will be supporting their moto of no single use plastic useage across their various campaigns and annual fundraiser Picnics Unwrapped where we will be donating a heap of cool green and sustainable resources to the winners of the various comp sectiosbt hthat include; Most Unique Picnic, Best Presented Picnic, Biggest Community Picnic, Best Corporate Picnic & Best School Picnic. So grab your cameras peeps and get some pics taken as the comps run from 1 September through to 30 September 2023. This event is endorsed by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation Other Charities In the past, sales of our products have also resulted in significant contributions being made to: The Family Centre - a community based organisation in Tweed Heads (NSW) that focuses “on building individual and community capability to develop solutions to social problems.” Juraki - “an Indigenous Not-For-Profit community entity committed to creating, supporting & partnering in community activities, programs and (sporting) events that give Indigenous similar yet culturally-sensitive opportunities to main-stream.” Hope for Health - a locally led programme on Elcho Island (NT) whose mission is to “empower Yolngu health and close the gap, with traditional knowledge as our guide, by providing access to positive immersive health experiences, and developing knowledge, capacity and positive habits through education and support.” Ecocean - a “globally recognised, non-government, not-for-profit organization based in Western Australia working towards scientific research, education and conservation of the marine environment. It’s flagship species, the whale shark, is an iconic animal for marine conservation being the world’s largest fish.” ….plus thousands of dollars worth of our products being donated to various Indigenous and non-Indigenous schools, learning centres, fundraisers and community organisations. Our Tweed office currently acts as a collection point for unused plastic toys which are given new life as bags and accessories by the clever folks at Ploys. In the past, we’ve also assisted in the collection of plastic bread tags on behalf of OzBreadTags for Wheelchairs - a fantastic endeavour which raises funds to buy wheelchairs for disadvantaged people, mainly in South Africa. The Recycled Mats team also makes every effort to recycle and re-use within our office and warehouse which you can read more about here. We’re very proud of the support we’ve been able to offer our community… which has only been possible with your help. So, from the bottom of our hearts, we THANK YOU! Together we can, and do make a difference.
Learn moreEasy care outdoor mats that STOP dirt, mud and sand mess!
Recycled Plastic Mats Make Excellent Outdoor Mats Our recycled plastic outdoor mats are not only a practical addition to any garden or camp setting, they look great too! Hardwearing yet soft and comfortable to sit or walk on, they’re ideal for use as picnic mat, on the beach, outside the caravan, as a playmat at kindy, or on the sidelines at your local footy match. Whether it’s a casual day out or a glamped up weekend with friends, an outdoor mat is the perfect adventure companion…and simply, the BEST way to keep sand and dirt where it belongs! You’ll find our outdoor mats at schools and childcare centres across the country, multi-tasking as craft mats, yarning mats, designated play and dining nooks, reading and relaxation corners. Their unique composition means they’re both sturdy and super easy to keep clean and tidy. Simply shake, sweep or hose off, lying flat or hanging in the shade to dry. Made from UV-treated polypropylene to ensure protection from the harsh Australian sun, these recycled plastic outdoor mats are non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, and mould-resistant, making them a healthy and safe alternative to many other non-sustainable mats. And unlike cotton or jute mats, they won’t retain moisture, get that damp smelly odour or worse still, harbour pests and attract vermin. There’s no need for harsh chemicals or store-bought cleaning products either - another win for the environment. Check out our blog on how to care for your Recycled Mat ....it simply couldn't be easier! (pictured: Tutti Frutti 3x3m) Outdoor Rugs inspired by traditional Siapo Mats Did you know the creation of our outdoor mat range was inspired by traditional Siapo mats? Originally found throughout the South Pacific, Siapo mats are made from a tissue-like cloth from the bark of the mulberry tree. At Recycled Mats, we wanted to take the idea of a "traditional authentic woven mat" and bring it into the contemporary world by fusing two new concepts with the original. Making outdoor mats from a repurposed and upcycled plastic material, and Inviting local Indigenous artists to join the design process, and share their unique cultural stories through the use of intricate motifs and symbols. These key concepts ensure the mats in our outdoor mat range contribute to the wellbeing of our planet, creating a cleaner, safer and more harmonious environment for us all. (pictured: Ningaloo 1.8 x 2.7m) Indigenous Designs Recycled Mats has a range of large outdoor mats featuring Indigenous designs that have been commissioned by local artists. These fabulous Aboriginal mats come in a range of sizes and styles, showcasing authentic designs that tell stories unique to each artist and their culture. As legitimate Indigenous artworks, every design is culturally appropriate for viewing by the wider public and approved for walking or sitting on. Our recycled outdoor mats make fantastic multicultural resources for classrooms by encouraging young people to explore the diverse shapes and images of Aboriginal art and the stories of indigenous Australians. Mix and match designs to create bright, multicultural diversity in your school, childcare centre, library or home. Likewise, our Maori and NZ designs have been created by the artists to reflect family life and the rich heritage specific to the region. All artists are paid 10% royalties on each item sold that uses their work, and we promote them as individuals as well as the messages they wish to share via their designs. We are proud to support and promote Australian and New Zealand artists. Each one of them is highly respected and valued as a collaborator, plus they're competitively remunerated via fair and transparent agreements. It is our hope that the diverse collection of cultural outdoor mats we offer may also help to overcome some of the racial barriers we face in Australia, inspiring us to become better at understanding each other, and our respective community values and traditions. (pictured: Witchetty Grub 2.7m) Floor coverings you can use both inside and out Being made from recycled plastic, our outdoor mats are spill and stain-resistant so can withstand a high level of wear and tear. They’re increasingly being seen inside the home as stylish floor coverings in children's bedrooms, on decks, and in dining rooms. These floor mats can make the perfect seasonal home decoration, and hide ugly stains on carpet too! The process of weaving our outdoor plastic mats also ensures that they’re reversible, giving you two different “looks” for the price of one. Just flip it over to show the other dominant colour on the upside and instantly change the aesthetic in your indoor or outside space! And choose from a large range of colours, shapes and sizes. From bold splashes of colour and geometric patterning to subtle hues in earthy tones and retro floral motifs, there is an outdoor (indoor) mat for every space, and every occasion. (pictured: Moroccan 1.8 x 2.7m) Making Life on the Road that much Easier If camping, touring and just general outdoor adventuring is your thing, there’s no simpler way to making it fuss-free and memorable than having the right gear! You can literally set the foundation for your trip – whether it be one day or one year – with one of our recycled plastic outdoor mats. Visually pleasing, yet tough, mats can bring a sense of fun and peace to your outdoor experience and extend the good vibes from the inside out, or the outside in! Specifically designed for camping in mind, our range of annex mats is the place to start for getting kitted out. Eyelets for tie-down purposes are included as well as a strong, recycled poly carry bag which won’t just house your mat - it also has a handy, lined side-pocket for stashing keys, sunscreen, stubbie holders, maybe even a cold drink or two! Check out our Caravan Mat blog for more info and if you’re wondering what sized mat is right for you, please go here. Whatever your outdoor mat needs are, Recycled Mats offers Australia's largest and most highly sought-after range....visit our website today to get your next adventure off to the right start! (pictured: Camping Kangaroo 2.4 x 5m)
Learn moreBeach Mats for those Lazy Hazy Dayz
Let’s face it, beaching or just being out in nature is something we Aussies live for. We not only have some of the world’s BEST beaches, but we have thousands and thousands of kilometres of them to choose from! Needless to say, the ideal location is practically a given but it doesn’t always mean the ideal experience is. Fortunately, here at Recycled Mats, we’re all about making the most out of our outdoor adventures… and helping you to as well! For starters, having the right gear is fundamental to creating the perfect day outdoors. Whether you’re beachside, riverside or in the middle of the bush, nothing sets the foundation for a great day out more simply and elegantly than a beach mat! Our recycled plastic beach mats tick all the boxes when it comes to getting kitted up for some sun, sand and surf. Not only lightweight yet sturdy, they’re super easy to store, toss in the boot of the car, carry and set up wherever you decide to make camp for the day. And they come with a carry bag included so even the kids can toss one over a shoulder and lug it along the sand. Perfect for protecting feet and delicate bods from hot sand, our beach mats will instantly provide a soft and comfortable spot for sitting and lounging. With an extensive range of sizes, shapes and designs to choose from, even with a large gaggle of friends and family, we have a beach mat to suit and seat any gathering. Not only are tie-down eyelets an option on our beach mats but so are umbrella eyelets meaning you can safely stick an umbrella through the middle of a mat without risking damage to the weave. And as we all know, being able to provide shade is vital for everyone’s protection and comfort when out in the Aussie sun. During manufacture, our beach mats are also UV treated which helps resist fading and sun damage. (We do however don’t recommend that they’re exposed to ongoing, continual direct sunlight - for more on our care instructions, please go here.) Waterproof and mould resistant they’re hypo-allergenic so make a safe play or beach mat for sensitive individuals….and they’ll keep the sand at bay providing a dry, irritant-free spot to sit and enjoy being outside by the water’s edge. Sand and dirt that does make their way onto your mat can simply be brushed or swept off and if a deeper clean is required, just wet with the hose when you get home and remove muck with a soft broom. Alternatively, take it into the surf and give it a saltwater rinse off, hanging or laying it out flat to dry. You’ll be spoilt for choice with our fabulous range of beach mat designs – Aboriginal, contemporary and Aussie native-inspired – in bold splashes of bright colour or muted, subtle tones. What a great way to demarcate your spot on the beach and keep an eye on the kids from the water! So make the most of this great Australian landscape by getting down to your local beach….and don’t forget your beach mat! You can lounge back knowing that your new mat is not only great for those lazy hazy days, but it’s also good for our precious planet.
Learn moreAre you looking for a new camping mat?
We have the best outdoor camping mats on the market. In business since 2009, we know camping mats and being avid campers ourselves we have tried and tested them for years, refining designs, colours and styles along the way! We have the perfect solution to your outdoor needs. Our mats are affordable, durable, and made from recycled materials so they’re environmentally friendly too! Whether you need one or several mats, we can help. And if you’re not sure what size is best for you, just ask us! We want to make this process as easy as possible for our customers because we know that when it comes to camping gear and accessories, there are lots of options out there. So let us help simplify things by offering great products at low prices with fast shipping times. That way all you have to do is focus on having fun in nature instead of worrying about whether or not your equipment will arrive before your trip starts! If you don’t see exactly what you want here on our website today please feel free to contact us directly via email at supertroopers@recycledmats.com.au or phone us on 1300 32 00 65 so we can get started helping find the right product(s) for your needs ASAP! You won’t be disappointed with the quality of our products and service – but don’t take our word for it… check out some of these reviews from real customers who were happy enough with their purchase that they felt compelled to leave a review online after receiving their order We’re in the business of making your outdoor adventures more comfortable. Our mats are made from recycled materials and can be easily rolled up to fit into any backpack or car boot. They’re perfect for hiking, backpacking, kayaking, biking – even just lounging around at home! You won't have to worry about waking up on the cold ground anymore with our ultra-durable camping mats that provide insulation from the cold ground so you stay warm all night long. Our mats are also waterproof so they're great for those who love spending time outdoors but don't want to deal with wet sleeping bags when it rains overnight. Plus they come in a variety of colors and sizes so there's something for everyone! SHOP now here at RM
Learn moreTeaching Aboriginal Culture in Primary School – The Miracle of Dareton Public School
Dareton Public School's Great Success This was a good news story that we just had to share. You may have seen it making its way around social media. It’s a report from the ABC on a school that’s made some incredible changes, proving that great education is not one size fits all. Australian students can benefit from teaching Aboriginal culture in primary school - and in turn, the wider community is strengthened too. A small outback school on the far-western edge of the NSW-Victoria border, Dareton Public School was in trouble. Serious behaviour incidents were rife, teacher stress was at an all-time high, and there was chronic student disengagement. Not a whole lot of learning was getting done, and there was a massive disconnect going on between teachers and students. It wasn’t uncommon to have classroom evacuations and suspensions due to troubling student behaviour. Enter the circuit breaker – Michael Coleman, an experienced principal fresh from Byron Bay. By taking an unconventional approach and making Aboriginal culture a central part of the learning experience, he saw unbelievable changes happening in record time. Disengaged to Engaged Having students disengaged from their learning and their broader community means that these little minds are desperate for something to connect with. Being disengaged from learning also impacts behaviour – something Dareton Public School staff were only too familiar with. The teaching and learning that was going on just wasn’t the right fit – something was off, something needed to change. Being an outback school with Indigenous students, connection to culture was crucial. The local language, Barkandji, is now taught once per week to a captive audience who are taking their learning home with them to share with extended family and friends. Signs around the school are bilingual too – written in both English and Barkandji language. By sharing their learning with the broader community, students are helping to keep this language alive for future generations. In fact, Principal Coleman believes traditional Aboriginal culture should be a part of every aspect of school life at Dareton Public. And it’s through this connection to culture, family and the land that children have found true engagement and a sense of pride and belonging. A Four-Legged Friend Brings Calm With a greater focus on wellbeing, the school also employed a service dog named Sheekie to be in the classroom. When students feel anxious, frustrated or upset, Sheekie provides a calming distraction to help the child ground themselves and regulate their emotions. This has played a huge role in reducing the number of behavioural incidents at the school, as has the introduction of mindfulness sessions in the classroom. History and Place A focus here is on what we know, who we know and how we know it. Understanding and shaping the national curriculum in a way that works for students who have previously disengaged from formal learning means that new and innovative approaches to pedagogy (learning) can take place both in and outside of the classroom walls. Playing together in the yard, making music, sharing meaning, engaging in sports activities – all of this now takes place from a shared understanding of history and culture. Teaching Aboriginal culture in primary school has quite simply changed the lives of these students. We spy Recycled Mats It was an absolute thrill to note that photos within the original article showed Dareton Public School students sitting on one of our mats, The Yarning Circle, designed by De Greer Yindminicarlie, Wiradjuri artist. We proudly offer a range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island mats, each one authentically designed by Indigenous artists with a deep understanding of their own cultures. Our aim is to celebrate, preserve and cherish this rich heritage. Watch the story yourself here. We can all do with as much good news as we can get :) Are you looking for ways to inspire a passion for learning about recycling? If you're a teacher, homeschooler or early childhood educator, and are looking for fun ways to teach your child/ren more about about the circular economy, we have put together some great ideas on how-to! Check out our fun blog post here.
Learn moreTIPS to make your yoga mat less slippery
So you have a yoga mat and you feel that it's not as grippy as you'd like... This isn't uncommon at all and is actually quite normal. Just like no two fingerprints are the same, nor are our bodies. We all excrete different amounts of sweat and body oil, and we also use different oils on our skin which can change the way we are supported on a yoga mat. So rather than looking to the mat as the cause, perhaps think about what products you use (especially on your hands and feet) prior to a workout on your mat - after all, moisturisers are designed to make your skin feel smooth, not grippy! Here are a few ideas to help you and your mat get off on the right foot, pun intended :) A few tips to reduce any slipping that you may feel with your yoga mat First - Keep using your yoga mat. Like a pair of shoes, the more we wear them in, the better they feel and the more they mould to your unique foot shape and the way that you walk. During manufacturing, there can be layers that form on the mat which can vary based on weather conditions, aeration at the factory level, or even humidity at the time of production. Your mat at home might also be exposed to dust and humidity depending on where you live, whether you roll your mat up or not and where you store it. Don't give up on your mat just because it didn't give you the perfect grip straight away, give it a chance to meld into your style. Each of us weighs differently and has different angles that we hold in poses, and of course, we are all at varying stages of competency in our yoga practice. Some of us are often pushing ourselves to go that little bit longer in a pose so again, if the grip isn't quite there, it may not be the mat, maybe you're just not quite positioned correctly. If this is you, simply relax, take a breath, reset and think about how you can achieve the pose that you wish in a more fluid way, perhaps asking your instructor for support. Take note that yogis rarely have flush contact with the ground with their hands and feet, as this is where slippage can often happen on any mat. This is called a tent or cupping action when palms and feet are not flush. Next - Feel free to layer your mat with a microfibre towel; Spray a quick and light spray of water on the topper and then place your towel on top. If you don't have a towel, no problem, all of our mats will develop grip with just a light spray of water. Most mats work better when wet - and by that, we don't mean soak the whole thing in the bath! - but just like the body sweats as you proceed through your routines, your mat will adjust accordingly and with a little dampness, help your feet and hands retain the grip you're looking for. And please ensure that your hands & feet are oil-free ... remember all those moisturizes you put on early this morning? Well, they are still there and may be adversely affecting your grip on the mat. Ideally, in fact, it's best to have a shower or swim before your session and ensure that you don't put any products on prior to your workout. Vinegar is also commonly used to clean a mat of any superficial layer that may have formed - not only does it have antibacterial qualities (making it ideal for your post-session wipe down) but it also can add a little extra oomph to the water spray mix. Don't overuse vinegar though as it is an acid after all. Use a 1-2 ratio and perhaps add in a few drops of your favourite essential oil for that extra sensory effect, lightly mist your mat leaving it to settle for a few minutes, and then simply wipe down with a clean, damp cloth. Some articles that I've read also suggest using sea salt. I've never tried this myself but it seems common practice in the yogi community. Suggestions are to mix a teaspoon of salt with water and spray, leave for 12-24 hours and wipe down well with plain water afterward. This can help reduce any build-up on a new mat, improving its grip. Yoga socks and gloves are also common accessories to help with extra grip. Also, remember to choose the mat that suits your yoga needs. There are many mats on the market with pros and cons for each and most are best suited for specific yoga techniques and styles. Check out our blog post here for How to choose the right Yoga mat for you Recycled Mats also offers a wide range of Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats, Yoga Bags, Meditation Mats and accessories.
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