Hey, it’s Dan

In today’s Issue:

• What the heck is plarn? For normal people (and confused cousins)

• How to make it (spoiler: it involves scissors and guilt)

• Why it matters (hint: it’s free, functional, and oddly satisfying)

• Pro tip from Debir on making scrubbers that don’t trap last night’s lasagna

• and more…

🌎 Our Mission

Eco Hustle is about helping people get paid to save the planet—one plastic project at a time. We're building small wins, testing messy experiments, and proving that reuse can be powerful (and surprisingly profitable).

This Week’s Plastic Problem

Okay, so apparently plarn still isn’t a household word-yet!

A bunch of you have asked “Wait… what is plarn again?” or “Is this, like, plastic thread?” So this week, we’re clearing it up—no fluff, no jargon. Just a normal-person explanation of this very abnormal craft supply.

Spoiler: yes, it involves trash bags. And no, it’s not gross.

(Also—thanks to everyone who’s replied to past issues with questions and tips. This one’s for you.)

This Week’s Hustle: So, What Is Plarn?

Plarn = Plastic + Yarn.

That’s it. It’s yarn you make from plastic grocery bags—usually the thick kind you “forget” to bring back to the store, which then breed like rabbits under your sink.

Here’s how it works:

You grab those bags, cut them into strips, and loop the strips into each other (kind of like old-school friendship bracelets). Boom—now you’ve got something that looks like yarn but feels like durability’s weird little cousin

Why?
Because this weird little yarn is weirdly useful.

Plarn is scrubby, mold-resistant, and holds its shape like a stubborn raccoon.. I use it to make dish scrubbers, coasters, even dice trays if I’m feeling fancy. It’s washable, giftable, and gives your old bags a second life that’s actually practical—not just Pinterest-aesthetic.

And it’s not just me saying this—readers have started sending their own feedback, hacks, and “uh-ohs” from trying it themselves. (Special thanks to Debir for one below 👇)

You don’t need to be a crochet wizard. My first scrubber looked like a deflated jellyfish, and guess what? Still cleaned dishes like a champ. You get better fast, and there’s something wildly satisfying about turning grocery bag guilt into a functional, giftable thing.

Also—let’s be real—plarn is cheap. Like, free. Your raw materials are literally in the trash. Perfect for kits, classes, or when your cat ruins your first attempt.

And yes—kits are coming.

(Did you catch that subtle hustle plug? Good.)

Plarn in one line? Upcycled yarn from plastic bags. Ugly name, beautiful scrubbies.

Pro Tip (From a Beginner)

Try crocheting your scrubbers a little tighter—looser ones can trap food gunk like nobody’s business. Shout out to Debir for this tip (and for helping my dishes smell less like mystery leftovers).

One Last Tangle

Next week I’m trying to make a coaster. Square. Flat. Respectable. Sounds simple… until you’re tangled in loops like a caffeinated spaghetti monster.

Wish me luck (or send bag-themed prayers).

 P.S. I Read Every Reply

Got a plarn win, a crafty fail, or a plastic bag hoard that rivals a small landfill? I read every reply. Send chaos, bag tips, or just say hi.